Former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes has passed away due to a single gunshot wound to his chest in an apparent suicide, reports said.

In a press conference aired lived over QTV Channel 11, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said Reyes was declared dead on arrival at the Quirino Medical Center.

DzMM radio said Reyes was declared dead around 8:30 a.m.

News reports said Reyes shot himself at the Loyola Memorial Park, before his mother’s tomb. A book titled “Trump” was also seen near the body of Reyes.

Reyes was later rushed to the hospital with no blood pressure and no vital signs, said Ona.

Doctors tried to revive Reyes for some 45 minutes but failed.

“Hindi na maibalik heart rate. May gunshot wound sa left heart, external wound sa likod,” Ona said.

Reyes appeared to have committed suicide, amid the Congress probe on supposed massive corruption in the military.

Reyes is supposed to testify in Tuesday’s House of Representatives committee hearing.

Reyes was also former Secretary of Energy at the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Arroyo was among the first politicians seen at the hospital after reports of Reyes’ death.

In an earlier interview over dzMM radio, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has extended his condolences to the late defense secretary through his spokesman Ricky Carandang.

Reyes is survived by wife Teresita and sons, Pablo, Angelito, Marc, Carlo and Judd.