Former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes who was implicated in a major military scandal died Tuesday due to a single gunshot wound to his chest in an apparent suicide, reports said.
In a press conference aired lived over QTV Channel 11, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said Reyes was declared dead upon arrival at the Quirino Medical Center.
DzMM radio said Reyes was declared dead around 8:30 a.m.
News reports said Reyes shot himself at the Loyola Memorial Park, before his mother’s tomb. A .45 caliber gun and book titled “Trump: The Art of the Deal” was also seen near the body of Reyes. The police is now in possession of these evidence.
Reyes was later rushed to the hospital with no blood pressure and no vital signs, said Ona.
Doctors tried to revive Reyes for some 45 minutes but failed.
“Hindi na maibalik heart rate. May gunshot wound sa left heart, external wound sa likod,” Ona said.
Reyes appeared to have committed suicide amid the Congress probe on supposed massive corruption in the military.
Reports indicated that Reyes has sent the House Committee on Justice a letter Monday indicating he wanted to be excused from the ongoing investigation.
Reyes is supposed to testify in Tuesday’s House Committee on Justice hearing.
Reyes was also former Secretary of Energy at the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Arroyo and former presidential chief of staff Mike Defensor were among the first politicians seen at the hospital after reports of Reyes’ death.
In an earlier interview over dzMM radio, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has extended his condolences to the late defense secretary through his spokesman Ricky Carandang.
Reyes is survived by wife Teresita and sons, Pablo, Angelito, Marc, Carlo and Judd.
Meanwhile, a family spokesperson has asked media for privacy and leave the Quirino Medical Center.
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