Cesar Montano's son commits suicide

MANILA, Philippines - A son of television host-actor Cesar Montano (Cesar Manhilot in real life) shot himself in the head at their house in Quezon City yesterday morning, police said.

Superintendent Crisostomo Mendoza, commander of Quezon City Police District Station 6, identified the victim as Christian Angelo Manhilot, 23, of Tivoli Royale Subdivision in Barangay Batasan Hills.

Manhilot was declared dead on arrival at 6:17 a.m. at the Malvar General Hospital on Commonwealth Avenue, where he was taken about an hour after the incident.

Manhilot was Montano’s eldest son by a previous marriage. Montano is now married to actress Sunshine Cruz.

Police said the victim sustained a gunshot wound from a .45 caliber pistol in the right temple, with the bullet exiting the back of the head.

Montano, who is running for governor in Bohol province, said Manhilot was supposed to have gone with him to Bohol Thursday in time for the start of the campaign period for local bets yesterday.

Manhilot allegedly begged off, telling his father it was his girlfriend’s birthday the next day.

Initial reports said Manhilot allegedly killed himself over a lover’s quarrel, though Montano did not confirm it.

Manhilot allegedly drank until, at around 4 a.m. yesterday, househelp Alicia Pancho heard gunfire. Pancho allegedly told the village guard, who reported the incident to the police. Responding police officers brought the victim to the nearby Malvar General Hospital.

Mendoza said they found a .45 caliber pistol believed owned by Montano and the victim’s cell phone near his body.

Montano and wife Sunshine Cruz and daughter Angela hurried back from Bohol and arrived at the hospital by around 9 a.m. yesterday to identify and claim the body.

Mendoza said Manhilot’s relatives have accepted he committed suicide and refused further police investigation.

Manhilot’s wake is at the Arlington Funeral Homes on Araneta Avenue.