10/02/2026
Who is Evelio Javier? By Angelie Icamina -
Evelio Javier Day is a special non-working holiday in the four provinces of Panay Island namely, Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo since 1987. It is to commemorate the death anniversary of the Late Governor Evelio B. Javier who was assassinated during martial law.
Evelio Javier was born on October 14 1942 in Brgy. Lanag, Hamtique, Antique. He is the son of Evardardo Autajay Javier and Feliza Bellaflor.
He is a 1st honor graduate in high school. He entered Ateneo de Manila University for his college education. He took up Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Government and earned his bachelor of laws at Ateneo Law School in 1968. On the same year, he passed his bar examination.
Married to Precious Bello Lotilla, they had two sons; Francis Gideon Evardardo and David. Evelio Javier entered politics and was elected as governor, making him as the youngest governor of Antique at the age of 29.
He took his masters course in public administration at Harvard University. Evelio went back to the Philippines and started his career as lawyer. He served as provincial chair of the Unido laban party during the 1986 snap elections, campaigning for Aquino-laurel.
Despite the threats on his life, he still managed to fight for the truth and what is right. At the middle of vote counting, Evelio had an argument with the leaders of Marcosā party.
The following day, he was shot to death by unknown men in broad daylight near the provincial capitol. Charges of murder were filed to the suspected men by the Ministry of Justice.
As what the Late Benigno Aquino Jr. described him, āthe man who can lead the people of Antique out of the rot of poverty and official corruption.ā
āJavier possess the qualifications of leadership which can lead AntiqueƱos into that new futureā¦ā.
From February 11 1986, Evelio Javierās death is being remembered every year in honor of his great valor to seek for the truth, justice, freedom and democracy.