In this Jan. 27, 2016, file photo, then Philippines President Benigno Aquino III, right, greets visiting then Japanese Emperor Akihito before a start of their meeting inside the presidential palace in Manila. (Romeo Ranoco/Pool Photo via AP)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's top government spokesman extended condolences to the Philippines on Thursday over the death of former President Benigno Aquino, praising his contributions to the Southeast Asian nation's economic growth and to strengthening bilateral ties.

       "The accomplishments of he and former President Corazon Aquino, who contributed to the democratization of the Philippines, serving as president across two generations will be long remembered," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said at a press conference. "We offer our heartfelt condolences."

       Aquino, who was president from 2010 to 2016 and known by the nickname "Noynoy," died at age 61 on Thursday in Manila, according to local media.

       The Philippines under Aquino saw rising tensions with China over conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea. He also paved the way for a peace agreement between the government and a Muslim secessionist group on the southern island of Mindanao.

       His mother Corazon, who was president from 1986 to 1992, was revered as leader of the People Power Revolution that ended the two-decade dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

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