'Devastated' Cesar Montano Pleads For Privacy Following Son's Suicide

CEBU, Philippines - Finally breaking his silence, a “devastated” Cesar Montano pleaded for privacy over the death of his son, Christian Angelo, who committed suicide in their family home in Quezon City yesterday.

In an official media statement, the actor-director expressed shock and disbelief upon learning of his son’s death, saying that they were only together the day before the tragedy happened.

“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.

“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.

“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 said.

According to the statement, a friend and neighbor who is a medical doctor pronounced his son dead on arrival at the Malvar General Hospital.

In the statement, the actor also confirmed that his son died from a single gun shot wound in the head. “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.

Christian Angelo, 23, is Montano’s son with his late first wife. He shot himself in the head with a .45 pistol inside their house at Tivoli Royale subdivision in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City at around 6AM, the ABS-CBN news website reported.

Radio DZMM reported problems with the girlfriend allegedly drove Christian Angelo to take his own life. A household help, who was the one who discovered the victim in the kitchen located at the 2nd floor of the Manhilot’s home and called the police station at the subdivision’s security quarters, was quoted as saying that Christian Angelo was talking to someone over the phone before committing suicide.

Crime scene investigators discovered the boy’s bloodied body sprawled in the kitchen with the .45 pistol by his side. Also found near the body were the landline phone and a cellular phone.

According to Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) chief Inspector Rizaldy Odi, who went inside the Manhilot’s house, they were able to retrieve 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.

Radio DZMM also reported that Montano has already rejected an autopsy for his son since he believes suicide is the cause of his son’s death, and not foul play.

Montano was in his hometown in Bohol at the time of his son’s death for the kick-off of his campaign for the local elections. Montano is running for governor of Bohol.