Breaking News (DILG Sec. Robredo found dead in plane wreckage)

[Rhose]

After two days of intense search and rescue operations following a plane crash, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has been found dead.

An emotional DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas announced the development Tuesday morning. He noted President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III personally called Robredo's wife to convey the sad news.

Roxas said divers saw Robredo still inside the plane, at sea depths of 180-feet. He added the plane fuselage was discovered 7:35 am Tuesday, and Robredo's body was retrieved 8:15 am.

Roxas said rescue operations for two other pilots, Captain Jessup Bahinting and Nepalese flight student Kshitiz Chand, has been turned into a retrieval operations.

"Airplane was inverted. In that configuration, two pilots are inside cockpit. Jess being a passenger, mas madaling ma-access," said Roxas in a televised press conference.

As of now, Robredo's body is in Masbate and will be flown to his hometown Naga City.

He noted that Robredo's remains are in "sensitive state", given that the body has been underwater for two days now.

"Jess was underwater for more than two days now so changes in pressure and atmosphere [will make preserving the body for transport] complicated," he said.
On Saturday, a single-engine, four-seater Piper Seneca plane carrying Robredo en route to Naga City from Cebu City crashed off Masbate after reports of engine trouble.

Don Abrazado, Robredo's aide, survived the crash. Officials say investigation will resume after the bodies of the pilots have been retrieved.
Palace mourns passing of "family member"

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. says Cabinet members are mourning Robredo's death. He said Robredo was a "dedicated public servant".

"Secretary Robredo was a dedicated public servant and a champion of good governance whose track record in public service has been an inspiration to all those who believe in government as an instrument for positive change," Ochoa said in a statement.

Ochoa said "prayers go out to the families of Robredo" and the DILG employees "who lost a leader who tirelessly worked and contributed greatly to President Aquino's campaign for good governance as a means to improve the lives of our countrymen."

[grahamw48]

I suppose it was inevitable.

I just hope that equal press coverage is given and concern shown when poor people are killed or injured...or simply condemned to a life of suffering due to the corruption of those in power...past and present.

[Rhose]

I suppose it was inevitable.

I just hope that equal press coverage is given and concern shown when poor people are killed or injured...or simply condemned to a life of suffering due to the corruption of those in power...past and present.

for the fair coverage of press for those who killed for some reason and this accident. I should suggest to have a full coverage for this issue because he's one of the asset of our government. First time in the history of the Philippines being a secretary of DILG, he made the crime rate lessen compare from the past. He's a big lost. He's not corrupt.

[CBM]

He was flying home to watch his daughter in a swimming competition.

Iirc, Jess Robredo was a Harvard MBA who had spent his early career with San Miguel Corporation before becoming Mayor of Naga City where by all accounts he was outstanding.

He was exactly the sort of technocratic, decent, quiet, capable political leader that the Philippines so badly needs - and he was in a job - as head of the DILG - that corrupt politicians particularly like to get their hands on, because of the huge patronage opportunities, so Noynoy will have to fight hard to get another honest man in the job.

This is a very sad day for the Philippines.

[Rhose]

big lost for the government and for us. It's hard to find like him who will take charge on his position.

[lastlid]

My wife's mother's boss is off to the funeral. He seemingly flew in the same plane at some stage. Evidently a new plane, so I am hearing....I haven't read the news on it.