ACTOR Cesar Montano is devastated by his son Christian Angelo's death in their Quezon City home Friday morning.
Reports said the lifeless body of the 23-year-old Christian Angelo Manhilot was found by their household helper Alicia Pancho around 6:18 a.m. in the kitchen located at the second floor of the Montano residence in Yakal Street, Tivolo Royale subdivision in Barangay Batasa Hills, Quezon City.
Pancho then called the attention of the village security who responded and informed authorities of the incident.
Manhilot’s body was rushed to General Malvar Hospital in Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City where he was declared dead on arrival around 6:40 a.m.
The initial investigation showed that Manhilot committed suicide as he had a gunshot wound on the head. A .45-caliber pistol, a landline, and cellular phone were also found in the crime scene.
Though no confirmation yet, reports said that Manhilot committed suicide because of “lovelife” problems.
Montano also refused to continue the investigation of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and an autopsy of his son since there are no signs of forced entry in their house or foul play when the accident happened.
Manhilot was the only son and the youngest child of Cesar with Marilyn Polinga, who died in 1993 because of brain tumor.
Family’s grief
Montano sent out an official statement to media outfits as the wake of his son is currently arranged at the Arlington Funeral Homes.
“To our dear friends from the media: I received the shocking news of my son, Christian Angelo's death very 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 so young, a cheerful, thoughtful and loving son who has a generous heart and spirit,” Montano added.
He said he was with his son Thursday before catching his flight to Bohol.
“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.
The actor also confirmed that a single gunshot in the head was the reason of his son's death.
Dr. Tony Leachon, a good friend and neighbor of Montano, pronounced Manhilot dead on arrival at the Malvar General Hospital.
“Initial police investigation showed that Angelo died from a single gunshot wound in the head. We are still trying to piece together some facts pertaining to his death,” he said.
“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 at this time. Thank you very much for your understanding. May God's strength be with all of us,” Montano said.
Montano, his wife Sunshine Cruz, and eldest daughter Angela was in Bohol to formally start his campaign for the gubernatorial seat in the province.
He immediately booked trips back to Manila as soon as they heard the news. His kick-off campaign rally was canceled in the province.
Montano is running under the Senator Noynoy Aquino’s Liberal Party. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)