Son of Cesar Montano found dead in QC home

The 23-year-old son of actor-politician Cesar Montano was found dead in his house in Quezon City early Friday, in what police said was an apparent suicide. Quezon City police deputy for operations Senior Superintendent Audie Arroyo said Christian Angelo Montano died from a gunshot wound in the head. "Meron po, confirmed. Tinawagan ng Station 6, meron talaga na-receive na report. Anak ito ni Cesar Montano, Christian Angelo, 23 years old (Yes, it's confirmed, based on a report from our police station 6. The victim is the son of Cesar Montano, Christian Angelo, 23 years old)," Arroyo said in an interview on dwIZ radio. The elder Montano is running for governor of Bohol province under the Liberal Party in the May 10 elections. He lost in the 2007 senatorial polls. Citing initial reports, Arroyo said they received a call from Montano's household at 5:49 a.m. Minutes later, a police team reached the house and found the victim with a gunshot wound to the head.

"Nakita nila may tama sa ulo ang bata (The team saw the victim with a gunshot wound to the head)," Arroyo said. "Ang security guard, sabi may nagpatiwakal (The security guard at the house said someone committed suicide)," he added. A separate report by dzBB radio's Manny Vargas said the younger Montano was declared dead on arrival at the General Malvar Hospital in Quezon City. Dr. Ed Antonio of the hospital's emergency room said the victim sustained a gunshot wound in the right temple, and an exit wound at the back of the head. Cesar's statement Reacting to the incident, Cesar issued the following official statement: "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. "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. "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. "Dr. Tony Leachon, a good friend and neighbor, pronounced Angelo dead on arrival at the Malvar General Hospital in Quezon City early this morning. 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. "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." — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV