Brig. Gen. Rafael Rueda Jr. dies at 96

Military honors held at Villamor Air Base on Oct. 9 included a gun salute and color guard.

Brig. General Rafael E. Rueda Jr., former commander of Mactan Air Base (561st Air Base Squadron) and top official of the Metro Manila Commission (now MMDA), died peacefully at his home in Malate, Manila, on Oct. 6, 2024. He was 96.

Rafael was born in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, on January 8, 1928 to former San Jose City Mayor Rafael Rueda Sr. and Maria Evalle.

A public servant with unwavering integrity, Rafael devoted his life to causes that mattered deeply to him, including environmental protection and advocating for transparency and an end to corruption in government.

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

He loved music, nature and photography. He particularly loved the song “Moon River” and cherished his collection of LPs and cameras.

A nature enthusiast, Rafael was a staunch advocate for the environment and believed firmly in promoting transparency in government.

He loved to travel, and just before COVID-19 upended his travel plans and active life, he was able to visit Tasmania, where he checked off a top item on his bucket list – breathing the cleanest air on Earth.

Brig. Gen. Rafael Rueda Jr., 96

At the age of 94, he made his way to the peak of Tasmania’s Mt. Wellington and did a jump shot with his children – Edgardo, Nimfa and Corazon. That same week, he danced vigorously at his grandson’s wedding in Sydney.

Throughout his life, Rafael taught and passed on valuable life lessons to those around him, including the importance of discipline, service and integrity in all matters.

Rafael was a devout Catholic, and what he considered as one of his most profound accomplishments was the honor of 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.

His legacy rests on his unwavering commitment to integrity in government service and protection of the environment, alongside his virtues of humility and strong work ethic.

Rafael 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 Rafael’s lifelong passion for serving others.

Expressions of sympathy may be posted here. A celebration of life will be held in his honor, and details will be shared as soon as the date is finalized.