Aquino sends Condolences to ex-chief Reyes' Family

By MANILA BULLETIN ONLINE, Genalyn Kabiling

February 8, 2011, 9:53am

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III, ironically celebrating his 51st birthday today, extended his condolences to the Reyes' family on the untimely death of former DILG chief Angelo Reyes.

Reyes committed suicide early this morning. He visited his mother's grave at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City where he reportedly shot himself.

The former Defense Secretary was rushed to the Quirino Hospital where he was revived for 45 minutes before being declared dead.

Reyes, 66, died of a bullet wound in the heart. He is survived by his wife and 5 children.

Reyes is part of the "Pabaon" expose brought forward by retired Col. George Rabusa.

Aquino called on the media and the public to respect the privacy of the Reyes family during these hard times of mourning.

UPDATE: MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang expressed sympathies to the family of former Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes who reportedly killed himself.

"The government wishes to express its condolences to the family of General Angelo Reyes. We urge the public to allow his loved ones their grief and privacy," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement upon learning about the suicide of Reyes.

The death of Reyes, one of the former military generals implicated in alleged corruption in the military, occured as President Benigno S. Aquino III marks his 51st birthday today.

The activities marking Aquino's birthday including a renewal of his driver's license at the Land Transportation Office in Quezon City and a thanksgiving mass in the Palace meantime will push ahead as scheduled.

The President will also host a medical and dental mission at the Palace park lot near Mendiola, Manila in the afternoon and then attend a candle lighting ceremony highlighting the government's peace efforts at the Quezon Memorial Circle tonight.