Arturo "Boy" Tiongson Enrile (June 20, 1940 – January 14, 1998) was the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications from 1997 to 1998. He also served as the 24th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 1994 to 1996.
Personal life
He was married to Mara Enrile and had a daughter named Tanya.
Career
Military
Enrile was a graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1962. In 1975, he commanded the newly activated 41st Infantry Battalion under the auspices of 1st Infantry Division of Philippine Army. He was also the first commander of the 1st Army Training Group (1ATG) which was created in 1976 also under the 1st Infantry Division. He was then appointed as superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy on August 6, 1989. Enrile led the negotiations with the rebel leaders during the 1989 Philippine coup attempt.
Enrile was appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army in 1991. He served as Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines before being appointed by then Fidel Ramos as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on April 12, 1994. He served as AFP Chief until November 30, 1996, after President Ramos extended his appointment as AFP Chief of Staff.
Awards in military service
- Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
- Distinguished Service Star
- Distinguished Conduct Star
- Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal
- Luzon Anti Dissidence Campaign Medal
- Mindanao Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal
- Long Service Medal
- Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation Operation Ribbon
- Silver Wing Medal
- Wounded Personnel Medal
DOTC Secretary
On April 16, 1997, Enrile was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Transportation of the Philippines. He served as DOTC secretary until his untimely demise on January 14, 1998.
Death
Enrile died in January 1998 after his major organs (liver heart, kidney, lungs) were attacked by bacteria. Doctors spent a lot of time explaining to media representatives and live TV cameras that the former AFP chief of staff did not die from the Hong Kong Bird Flu. Enrile, 57, was rushed to the Makati Medical Center Monday after collapsing at home. Doctors said the retired general was in a state of shock when he reached the hospital. An official medical bulletin said Enrile died from complications arising from virulent viral infection, or "multiple organ failure due to septic shock and streptococcal pneumonic bacteraemia." President Ramos expressed his deep condolences for the "untimely demise of a devoted public servant and leader" and attended the wake.
He was interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.
References
- Arturo Enrile's obituary
