Jesse Robredo Plane Crash: Body, Wreckage Found

On Tuesday, officials confirmed that the body of Jesse Robredo, the Filipino politician who served as the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, has been found inside the wreckage of the small plane that he and two pilots were traveling in.

According to Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas, Robredo’s body was discovered by technical divers in the cabin of the aircraft, which was found at a depth of around 180 feet resting upside down in the waters off Masbate. Robredo’s remains have since been taken to his hometown of Naga City.

“The metal casket bearing the remains of Sec. Robredo was transferred to the C130 plane used by P-Noy. The President will personally bring Sec. Robredo’s remains to Naga City, to the Archbishop Palace where his family will be waiting,” the government said in a statement.

The exact cause of the plane crash has yet to be determined, but there were reports that the small airplane was experience engine trouble before it crashed into the ocean on Saturday. The air plane was discovered at 7:35 am local time on Tuesday, and Robredo’s body was retrieved an hour later.

“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,” said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, who promised that the nation would give a “fitting” state funeral for Robredo.

“Prayers go out to the families of Robredo,” he added, “[and to the Interiors’ 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.”