Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Sunday joined former president Corazon Aquino in a memorial service for the latter's husband, late senator Ninoy Aquino in Manila, in a gesture to mend their bitter relations.

Relations between Arroyo and Corazon Aquino became bitter after the latter joined some former cabinet ministers in calling for Arroyo's resignation in July.

When visiting the late senator's tomb in the Manila Memorial Park, Arroyo described the late senator as "a martyr for national unity."

Aquino was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983, upon his return to Manila from self-exile in the United States. His death remains unsolved although many blame former president Ferdinand Marcos for the assassination.

Before his self-exile, Ninoy Aquino was convicted of rebellion by a military court and was jailed for several years by Marcos, who declared martial law in 1972.

Source: Xinhua