Iloilo Holidays: February 11 is Evelio Javier Day

ADVERTISEMENT

Late President Corazon Aquino signed into law Republic Act 7601 which declares February 11 as special non-working holiday in the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz and Antique.

The law entitled "An Act Declaring February 11 of each year Governor Evelio B. Javier Day, a Special Non-working Public Holiday in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo” was approved June 3, 1992 in commemoration of the slain governor of Antique.

One of the martyrs of Martial Law, Javier was assassinated on February 11, 1986. Three masked men opened fire at the governor in front of New Capitol building in San Jose, Antique. Sustaining gunshot wounds, Javier was able to scamper across the park in front of the capitol and into the comfort room of a shop. He was cornered there by the gunmen, who riddled his body with multiple shots.

His death further fueled the people's anger of the Marcos regime which resulted to the ouster of the dictator in People Power Revolution.

ADVERTISEMENT