Former president Macapagal dies

JAKARTA (JP): Former Philippine president Diosdado Macapagal died Monday in Manila, at the age of 86, Philippine Embassy spokesman said here yesterday.

Macapagal distinguished himself for his commitment to agrarian reform and in foreign affairs for being an architect of MAPHILINDO (Malaya, Philippines and Indonesia), the forerunner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

A nationalist, Macapagal was instrumental in changing the date of Philippines Independence from July 4, 1946 to June 12, 1898.

He is survived by his wife, Eva, and three children. (ego)