PR guru, ATOM co-founder Reli German, 86

MANILA, Philippines — Prominent public relations (PR) specialist and co-founder of August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) Aurelio “Reli” German passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86.

German’s death was confirmed to the INQUIRER by his son, Alan.

“He was diagnosed with Multiple Atrophy Syndrome for quite some time na po. Eventually, it was his heart that stopped beating, and he passed peacefully in his sleep,” Alan said in a message.

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Alan said that his father’s wake will be held from Friday to Saturday at the Sanctuario Forbes Capilya. He added that everyone is welcome to pay their final respects to his father from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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READ: PR man Reli German puts spin on Puno comments

Born on November 25, 1939, Aurelio was a respected figure in the Philippine media and public relations since the 1970s where his former clients included former President Joseph Estrada. He also publicly responded to remarks made by former Chief Justice Reynato Puno who said that “truth is the first victim of spin doctors.”

In a separate statement, ATOM described Aurelio as “one of the architects behind the strategy that carried the 1986 Revolution to victory.” ATOM is a civil society organization formed to protest the assassination of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr.

READ: Atom: Cayetano’s comparison to Ninoy Aquino, use of ‘Laban’ sign insulting

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ATOM also said that Aurelio was the one who coined the movement as “ATOM,” making it “simple, but memorable.” It also remembered him as a “tireless voice of freedom.”

“Hindi siya natakot. Hindi siya tumigil. Through the time of the EJK’s [extrajudicial killings], changing threats, and changing excuses for silence, the return of the Marcoses to Malacañang, he stayed exactly where he started: on the side of the people. He did not do this for recognition. He did it because he believed, to his last day, that the fight for democracy is never finished—only passed on,” ATOM said in a Facebook post.

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Aurelio was able to attend ATOM’s last reunion on August 21, 2025. He was met with cheers and applause, while he even chanted “ATOM! ATOM!” with others. /cb

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