General Angelo Tomas Reyes – The Man With A Strong Heart
Secretary Angelo T. Reyes
General Angelo Tomas Reyes, former Department of Energy Secretary, former Department of National Defense Secretary, former Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, one of the “starman” of PMA Class 66, a remarkable officer and a fine gentleman, a bugo-bugo extraordinaire, a class by himself, is gone.
People might ask who is General Angelo Tomas Reyes and why am I writing about him? I do not know him. Although my husband and I maintain contact with a few of the Academy Cavaliers, we never even got to meet the General and shake his hand.
However, let me just share you my thoughts about the General, which were all based on my humble research of his life and on the accounts of his trusted men and friends, including even his enemies, who, despite their opposing views, still respected him.
Let me begin by saying that beneath the chest of General Angelo Tomas Reyes used to beat one of the strongest hearts this nation has ever seen.
He is the embodiment of what a soldier should be. Strong. Courageous. Loyal. And most of all, honorable.
General Angelo Tomas Reyes’ final act of taking his own life, contrary to an admission of guilt as most would quickly presume, is the greatest dare and challenge he throws upon these malevolent, selfish, disrespectful, holier-than-thou, malcontent wolves in sheep’s clothing.
I respectfully submit that General Angelo Tomas Reyes may not be perfect, and may not be considered altogether a saint. But let me ask you this: who among us is?
If you say you are, then I regret to tell you this but you are a hypocrite and no better than those persons who claim themselves to be “righteous.”
Allow me to mention a verse in the bible, which, without a doubt, you may be very familiar with. John Chapter 8 Verse 7 says: “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone…”
When Jesus said that, General Angelo Tomas Reyes responded by casting stone upon himself.
For us who find it easy to condemn, and at times, ridicule and insult the good General, shame on us. We, who are lesser beings, both in character and in spirit. Shame be upon us.
General Angelo Tomas Reyes has raised the standards in public service.
That if you fail for whatsoever reason, you pay with your own dear life. Try topping that.
In life and in death, General Angelo Tomas Reyes showed us all, the stuff that he is made of. In his humble act of paying with his life, he shows strength of character.
The manner by which he ended his life by shooting the part of the body where it is more painful and agonizing shows he is uncowed.
Unlike desperate, miserable and defeated men with no hope who shoot themselves in the mouth, temple or head, General Angelo Tomas Reyes chose to pierce his heart with a single bullet.
It was an act of extreme courage that most people will probably never understand. He gave a new meaning to the phrase “With all my heart I swear.”
In life and in death, General Angelo Tomas Reyes managed to save his face and honor. To people like General Angelo Tomas Reyes, honor is of greater value than life itself. They are willing to give their lives to defend that honor.
For a true-blue and red-blooded warrior such as General Angelo Tomas Reyes, it is not suicide, it is death before dishonor.
We, who are still living, aside from lacking the face, still manage to be shameless and display a thick face. Cowards!!!
To those among us who consider themselves as the best, or who pretend to be the best;
To those among us who consider themselves as righteous, or who pretend to be righteous;
To those among us who consider themselves as without any trace of corruption or sin;
You all go ahead and try to show us what stuff you are made of! Show us what kind of person you are! Show us how great and righteous and incorruptible and sinless you are.
I and my family? We are just ordinary mortals. General Angelo Tomas Reyes belonged to a different league of distinguished gentlemen who value honor more than life.
We shall not mourn the passing of General Angelo Tomas Reyes. Instead, my family and I will stand up and raise our hands in the most reverent of salutes; A salute worthy of a man who deserves our utmost respect.
As the last taps resound in every corner of the nation and banners drape General Angelo Tomas Reyes’ last remains, his singing comrades will bury him to the echo of these strains. It is with fervent hope that young blood shall come to carry on the example of the old strong heart of General Angelo Tomas Reyes.
My family and I may have never met the good General, nor have we had the honor of shaking his hand. But if by chance we meet any member of General Angelo Tomas Reyes’ family, we would surely be deeply honored and privileged to shake their hands. Because in doing so, we would be shaking the hands of the family of the bravest man we had ever known.
Thank you very much Sir, for the service you rendered to our beloved country.
The coffin of former Philippine Defense Secretary and Armed Forces Chief of Staff, GeneralAngelo Reyes, is carried by honor guards with his Philippine Military Academy mistahs
General Angelo Tomas Reyes March 17, 1945 - February 8, 2011
Secretary Angie Reyes March 17, 1945 - February 8, 2011
