In fact, [Dante]'s ties to Aquino are long and deep. When he was 11, he cut sugar cane on her family's sprawling Hacienda Luisita. Later, he followed her young husband, Benigno S. (Ninoy) Aquino Jr., entranced by his campaign speeches. The two became friends, and Dante admits now that Benigno Aquino's support was crucial to his guerrilla movement.

Dante said Benigno Aquino took [Jose Maria Sison] to the Hacienda Luisita and had two aides take him to meet Dante by a twisted mango tree that still stands in Manga village. The NPA was born that night, March 29, 1969. It had only 45 armed soldiers.

Ultimately, Dante was released from prison in the custody of Aquino's mother, Dona Aurora. She also guaranteed Dante's hospital bills when he was ambushed and nearly killed by gunmen in military uniforms in June, 1987. At the time, President [Corazon Aquino] said she had phoned to make sure the hospital "gave special attention to Dante."