Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino or more popularly known as Cory Aquino passed away Saturday morning at 3:18AM. She was 76.

She reportedly died of cardio respiratory arrest at the Makati Medical Center. Here’s a statement from the Aquino family:

“Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. August 1, 2009 of cardio respiratory arrest. She would have wanted us to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and our country. Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang konting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina.”

She has been diagnosed with colon cancer early in 2008 and has been confined at the hospital for more than a month.