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MANILA - Former President Corazon Aquino on Wednesday asked soldiers convicted of killing her husband nearly 20 years ago to reveal who ordered the assassination that sparked the “people-power” revolt against dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The identity of the mastermind behind the Aug. 21, 1983, killing of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. has remained a mystery. Mrs. Aquino suggested that she would not forgive the foot soldiers convicted of the killing until they tell the truth.

The killing of Benigno Aquino Jr., ” set off massive public outrage and protests that culminated in the 1986 army-backed revolution that toppled Marcos and swept Mrs. Aquino to power.

The bloodless revolt by millions was hailed as a harbinger of democratic change in authoritarian regimes worldwide. It inspired a similar military-backed peaceful uprising two years ago that ousted President Joseph Estrada amid allegations of massive corruption that he has denied.

“I pray for them that they will finally tell us the truth,” Mrs. Aquino told reporters after delivering a speech before businessmen on her plans for the 20-year anniversary of her husband’s killing.

The situation is murky on whether charges could still be filed in the case. There is normally a maximum 20-year statute of limitations for serious crimes like murder, unless lawyers have cited unidentified suspects, known as John or Jane Does, in the case, as was done in Aquino’s murder.

Twenty-six soldiers were acquitted of Aquino’s murder during a trial under Marcos.