Cesar Montano appeals for privacy after son's death
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - Actor Cesar Montano issued a statement following the death of his son, Christian Angelo, who committed suicide in their home in Quezon City on Friday morning apparently due to a "love" problem.
In an official message sent to the media, Montano said he was surprised when he heard about the tragic incident.
"To our dear friends from the media: I received the shocking news of my son, Christian Angelo's death early this morning while I was in Bohol. I, along with my wife Sunshine and daughter Angela, immediately flew back to Manila first thing today to be with my son," he said.
"No words can describe the grief that my family and I are experiencing with this devastating news. He was young, a cheerful, thoughtful and loving son who has a generous heart and spirit," Montano said.
"I was just with him yesterday before leaving for Bohol. Little did I know that it would be the last time I was to see him alive."
Montano (real name Cesar Manhilot) said a friend and neighbor, Dr. Tony Leachon, pronounced his son dead on arrival at the Malvar General Hospital in Quezon City.
The actor also confirmed that Christian Angelo died from a single gun shot wound in the head. Montano said they are still trying to get all the facts pertaining to the death of his son.
He appealed for understanding to give them the privacy they need while they grieve over their loss.
"We are still trying to piece together some facts pertaining to his death. While I am still reeling from this tragic incident, my family and I would like to appeal to everyone to respect the privacy of my grieving family all this time. Thank you very much for your understanding. May God's strength be with all of us," Montano said.
Suicide
Christian Angelo, 23, Montano's son with his late first wife, shot himself in the head with a .45 pistol inside their house along Yakal Street, Tivoli Royale subdivision in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City at around 6 a.m..
Radio DZMM reported that, according to Manhilot's helpers, Christian Angelo took his own life allegedly due to problems with his girlfriend.
The report said Christian Angelo was talking to someone over the phone before he ended his life.
In an earlier interview, Superintendent Chris Mendoza, commander of the Batasan Police Station, said Christian Angelo was rushed to Malvar Hospital in Quezon City and was declared dead at 6:40 a.m.. The boy died of a single gunshot wound in the head.
He said that household helper Alicia Pancho was the one who discovered the victim in the kitchen located at the 2nd floor of the Manhilots' house.
Pancho called the police station at the subdivision’s security quarters, the police commander said.
He said crime scene investigators found the boy’s bloodied body slumped in one corner of the kitchen with a .45 pistol by his side.
Aside from the gun, a landline phone and a cellular phone were also found near the boy’s body.
No to autopsy
Montano reportedly rejected an autopsy for his son since he believes his son really took his own life. He also believes there was no foul play, radio DZMM said.
According to Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) chief Inspector Rizaldy Odi, who went in Montano's house, they read a text message allegedly from the boy's girlfriend saying that she had already forgiven him if he was asking for forgiveness.
The report said Christian Angelo was able to reply to his girlfriend before the unfortunate incident.
Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, police spokesman, meanwhile, said that police investigators would have to continue the investigation despite Montano's statement.
"As a matter of investigative procedure, we will proceed with the investigation of the case to determine if there was a suicide case, as initially reported, or not," Espina said.
Montano was not home when the incident happened as he was busy campaigning in Bohol.
The incident happened during Friday's kick-off of the campaign for the local elections.
Montano is running for governor of Bohol. -- With reports from Doland Castro, ABS-CBN News, DZMM
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RESONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP IS OF HIGH VALUE
We are here in a forum directed or focused of a tragic incident on Cesar Montano’s son. I think this is a very informative forum and I appeal that this should not be polluted with political issues.
Well, I think responsible gun ownership is of high value and see to it that it is not used to harm or cause a death either accidentally, intentionally or unintentionally or otherwise. In the case of this boy who at this moment his death was classified as suicide by the use of his father’s gun, I believe it could raise more questions than answers.
If they boy had lost control of his mind and decided to commit suicide by using another tool or equipment other than his father’s gun, Cesar Montano could easily avoid of the blame of being irresponsible gun owner.
My above point of view here, does not mean and should not be understood that I have lost my sympathy to the whole Montano family, but my solemn prayers are for them and that they could overcome the sorrows and sadness at this time of their bereavement. Remember, this is only my POV, nothing more, nothing less.
mga ungas pala kau eh....
mga ungas pala kau eh.... lalake ung anak ni idol cesar... dapat lang na boy... alangan naman na girl ang isusulat nung reporter!!!! mga wala kaung utak! comment kau ng comment wala manan kwenta mga comment nyo!
autopsy required
The guy is 23 years old. Assuming he has complete control of his faculties at the time he allegedly decided to have pulled the trigger in his head, he did it on his own volition and it is unfair to put the blame on anyone let alone the parent. He made that decision alone, on his own convoluted and unaided volition. And while many of us disagree that it was the wise decision of the moment, he made the call just the same. All of us are entitled to a mistake sadly this case only happens once and it is not only catastrophic for many people but irreparable as well.
To preach responsible gun ownership in this incident is not only irrelevant. A person reaching the point of desperation may reach out to anything lethal to inflict upon himself and since a .45 caliber pistol may be more accessible to him or may be favored above the choices of blades his kitchen provides he decided to use it. Having said that there was to my belief, the element of contemplation in his act; he chose the pistol over the blades or any weapon because of its devastatingly effective impact that is an instant painless death.
As to weather he was under the influence of narcotics or spirits at the time is already something that forensic science hopes to establish through an autopsy.
Cesar Montano, equally victim of the circumstance must realize that an autopsy may not only establish the cause of the death but also the circumstances surrounding the death of his son. The importance of which will not only contribute to the development of science of forensics but also of psychiatric and even be investigative or firearms policy.
SAFETY AT ALL TIMES IS A MUST
Good, at least I have some answers to my question on “who is to be blamed” which I think boils down to good parenting. Well, in my own point of view, good parenting is not enough to prevent any untoward incident especially in this kind or manner of incident. Responsible parenting should and must include SAFETY not only outside but also within the household premises as well – to the maximum.
Not to be brag, I have this kind of weapon, but I make sure 24/7, that it is placed in a safety vault with secret lock which only I know - not even my wife, whether or not I’m inside or outside of my residence. Remember the Ted Failon’s case?
Gun ownership in the
Gun ownership in the Philippines is really a bad thing unless the government is not corrupt and gun control laws can be effectively enforced.
But in the case of this poor kid, he could have used anything to commit suicide.
Because of our corrupt education system, too much junk soap operas and movies in our entertainment industry, and poor guidance from parents, many young people lose direction and are not able to cope with emotional stress.
I sympathize with the family. But sometimes when rich people commit suicide, my sympathy is diminished especially when I see deprived children almost killing themselves and ignoring the pain working in the streets and garbage dumps just to be able to survive the day.
Parents must teach their children to have a meaningful purpose in life and to live not only for themselves but for others as well.
We should also vote i this election for people with Integrity so that our education system will be better for our children.
IRRESPONSIBLE GUN OWNER?
Licensed or not, this boy had access to this gun. Ban those guns!
It has killed more from the side of the owners (usually 'accidental' or more commonly known as suicide) than it being used to protect the owner.
To those who own guns.... be responsible. That means only the owner should use the tool or have the only access to it.
Cesar....how can you hope to lead Bohol when you can not even keep your son from getting his piece!
It's tragic indeed, but. . . . .
Correction to the previous post.
It's tragic indeed, but. . . . . who owns the 45 caliber pistol? Is the boy has license for this 45 caliber pistol or the license belongs to Cesar Montano? If it belongs to the later, then why it is in hands of the boy and was used to kill himself? Can anybody tell me who is to be blamed?
It's tragic indeed, but. . . . .
It's tragic indeed, but. . . . . who owns the 45 caliber pistol? Is the boy has licensed for this 45 caliber pistol or the license belongs to Cesar Montano? If it belons to the later, then why it is in hands of the boy and was used to kill himself? Can anybody tell me who is to be blamed?
Sad loss...
Have you read the book "Purpose Driven Life"?
http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/Home/home.htm
I don't know if this is a suicide case but the above book would be a good gift to young people particularly the depressed.
My condolence to the Mr Cesar Montano and Family
May God give you strenght and peace in this tragedy. Godbless you always.