Retired Brig. Gen. Rafael Rueda Jr.; 96

Brig. Gen. Rafael Rueda Jr., 96

MANILA, Philippines — Brig. Gen. Rafael E. Rueda Jr., former commander of Mactan Air Base (561st Air Base Squadron) and top official of the Metro Manila Commission (now the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), died peacefully at his home in Malate, Manila, on Oct. 6. He was 96.

Rueda is survived by his children—Josefina, Maximo, Edgardo, Edmundo, Nimfa and Corazon—and 14 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Amparo Cuenca Umali of Lipa, Batangas, and their son, Rafael Rueda III.

As a public servant, he devoted his life to causes that mattered deeply to him, including environmental protection and advocating for transparency and ending corruption in government.

A devout Catholic, he considered as one of his most profound accomplishments protecting Pope John Paul II, as part of the government’s security task force, during the Holy Father’s visit to the Philippines in 1981.

A nature enthusiast, he made it to the peak of Tasmania’s Mt. Wellington at the age of 94 and did a jump shot with his children.

Rueda will be dearly missed by all who truly knew him, but his spirit and teachings will stay with them as a testament to a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made for the establishment of the “Rafael Rueda Jr. Foundation” in honor of his lifelong passion for serving others. Details about his wake and interment will be announced soon.