Press Secretary Cerge Remonde passes away
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde was declared dead by doctors of the Makati Medical Center at 11:51 a.m. Tuesday, a Malacañang official said.
“Isang malungkot na balita. Kaninang 11:51 ng umaga ang ating kalihim Sec. Remonde ay binawian ng buhay (I have sad news. Remonde died),”Press Undersecretary for Operations Romeo Junia said on dzBB radio.
Junia said there was no official word on what caused Remonde’s death. He said there may have to be an autopsy, although it will be a decision made by the family.
Remonde, 51, was found unconscious in the bathroom of his home in Bel-Air Village, Makati.
Junio said Remonde’s personal staff brought him to the hospital.
He added Remonde’s wife in Cebu had been informed and would be on her way to Manila at the first available flight Tuesday afternoon.
He said Remonde had shown no sign of physical illness before his death.
“Kagabi we were working late at the office, we had a late dinner and routine work at the office. We stayed until 9 p.m. There was no sign he was under any kind of physical condition that was threatening,” he said.
Junio also said Remonde had been used to a heavy workload.
He also said it was not likely Remonde’s trip to Cebu last weekend to attend the Sinulog festival caused his death, saying Remonde had been attending the festivities yearly.
Remonde assumed the post of Press Secretary in February 2009.
