Former national security adviser Roilo Golez passes away

Rogelio “Roilo” Golez, who served as national security adviser under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, died at 71 due to a heart attack. (Photo: Roilo Golez/Facebook)

Rogelio “Roilo” Golez, who served as national security adviser under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, died at 71 due to a heart attack.

Golez’s death was confirmed by his son, Parañaque Vice Mayor Rico Golez on dzRH on Monday, June 11.

According to dzRH report, Golez went live on Facebook as he was having a radio interview on its Damdaming Bayan program along with Cesar Chavez to discuss the Chinese military aircraft that landed in Davao City.

ABS-CBN News also reported that Golez was supposed to have an interview over ANC early Monday about the country’s maritime row with China; however, it did not push through as Golez “felt unwell.”

On Monday, some senators expressed their sympathies to the bereaved family upon hearing the news.

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, in a tweet, said he was “very surprised and saddened” to hear of Golez’s passing.

“Condolences to vmayor [vice mayor] @ricogolez and family. Was a highly respected member of the House. RIP [Rest in peace] Manong Roy,” Angara wrote.

Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, for his part, said, “With my deepest sympathies VM [vice mayor] @ricogolez on Cong. Roy’s passing.”

In a statement, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas also said, “It is with sadness that I post here that [Minority Leader] Danny Suarez just called me with the information that our former colleague, Roilo ‘Roy’ Golez, passed away due to [a] heart attack. May his soul Rest in Peace!”

Meanwhile, Chavez, who earlier interviewed Golez, tweeted, “Nakakagulat. Nakakalungkot. Nakapanghihinayang! Paalam (Shocking. Saddening. Regretful! Goodbye) Sec @roilogolez.”

Born on January 9, 1947, in Looc, Romblon, Golez served as the country’s security adviser from 2001 to 2004 and became a congressman representing the 2nd District of Parañaque City for six terms from 1992 to 2001.

He attended Philippine Military Academy and the United States (US) Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree major in mathematics and operations analysis.

Back in the Philippines, Golez took up his Masters in Business Administration in the University of the Philippines (UP), graduating as class valedictorian.

Golez, known for being a fierce advocate of the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), was also a former Philippine Navy (PN) officer before he served as postmaster general under the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos.