A Letter From the Publisher: Feb. 3, 1986

It is every reporter's dream to be on the spot for a major news story. TIME's Hong Kong Bureau Chief Sandra Burton has experienced the attendant rush of adrenaline more than once during the three years she has spent covering the Philippines. Perhaps her most unforgettable -- and terrifying -- moment came at Manila International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983. After flying with Opposition Leader Benigno ("Ninoy") Aquino on China Airlines Flight 811 from Taipei, Burton watched as Aquino was escorted from the plane by Filipino soldiers. Moments later, while her tape recorder whirred, she heard gunfire as he was cut...

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