It was a valiant act, aide says

MANILA, Philippines – Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, Gen. Angelo Reyes felt that he was in such a hopeless situation that it was useless to explain his side on the alleged massive corruption in the military because of the public mind-set that he is already guilty as accused, a senior military officer said Tuesday.
Col. Edgard "Boogie" de Leon, who was the administrative officer of Reyes during his term as AFP chief, said he believes that the former AFP chief of staff and Defense secretary took his own life "to save the AFP."

He said Reyes did not want to see the armed forces collapse because of the allegations now being hurled against himself and other former armed forces officials, adding that the allegations are taking their toll on the soldiers and the military institution itself.



"Ganun kasi siya, he will do everything for the AFP kahit ibuwis ang buhay niya," said De Leon.

He said during the Second EDSA People’s Power Revolt, Reyes decided to withdraw his support from then President Joseph Estrada "because he does not want the AFP to collapse, which could have eventually resulted in the collapse of the government and the country."

De Leon is now assigned in Mindanao.

"So knowing him, maybe he does not want the AFP to collapse because of all the controversies, that's why he did that," said De Leon, who also said Reyes' heart was really for the armed forces.

"Even when he was no longer with the AFP, nung nasa civilian life na siya pag nagkikita kami he would always ask me, kumusta ang armed forces?" said De Leon.

He said Reyes felt very bad about the latest issues where he is accused of receiving "pabaon" from the AFP when he retired from the service, aside from other irregularities in the handling of AFP funds.

"Ang sama ng loob niya is parang kahit ano ang testimony niya may presumption of guilt na sa kanya, na whatever he says, it will not be taken as truth. Parang useless na, so ano pa ang saysay na pumunta siya sa Congress at magsalita kung sa public mind-set guilty na siya,” said De Leon.

Asked what he can say about Reyes as a person, a soldier, an officer, and a former boss, De Leon said: "He is a very honest person, especially honest to his mother, Purificacion."

Another personal friend of Reyes, retired Gen. Melchor Rosales, also expressed shock that Reyes committed suicide.

Reyes' friends and other AFP officers shared the same view that taking his own life was far from his personality, being tough and ready to face and hurdle all challenges that come his way.

source: Manila Bulletin