AFP: US drone found off Masbate used in Pacific war exercise

The United States (US) drone found off Masbate last Sunday was used in a war exercise held outside the country, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday.

AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr. said based on their initial assessment, the drone was used in a military exercise somewhere in the Pacific.

“Due to strong currents and weather disturbances that frequent the Pacific, the aerial target drone was possibly washed adrift into our territorial waters,” Burgos said in an interview.

The military insisted that the drone was not a spy plane but an “aerial target drone.”

“Its orange color and US Navy logo suggests that it is used primarily to simulate enemy missiles and aircraft during exercises,” Burgos said.

The drone was found by two fishermen drifting off the coast of Sitio Tacdungan in San Jacinto, Masbate at about 9:30 a.m. last Sunday. The fishermen hesitated to retrieve the unmanned aerial vehicle, thinking it was a bomb.

The aerial vehicle measures 12 feet and 11 inches and is two feet and four inches tall. The drone has a wingspan of five feet and nine inches.

The markings of the plane indicate that it is owned by the US Navy and was manufactured by Northrop Grumman. Also inscribed in the plane are its serial number BQ 55048, contract number N00019-05-C0040 and moderl number BQM74E.

The military immediately sent an explosive ordnance team to investigate the Navy drone. The team found that the drone already had some barnacles and was safe for transport.

The local government transferred the custody of the plane to the Naval Forces Southern Luzon based in Legazpi City.

Coordination is now being made to return the drone to the US Navy.

Burgos also belied allegations that the drone was used to conduct surveillance operations.

Communist rebels have accused the government of letting the US violate Philippine sovereignty by allowing it to deploy spy planes around Masbate.

“The puppet regime of Aquino allowed the US troops to directly participate in the combat operations of the AFP through surveillance and the use of hi-tech military equipment against the revolutionary forces,” the National Democratic Front-Bicol said in a statement.

source: philstar.com

Wreckage of Robredo plane now in Manila

The wreckage of the Piper Seneca plane that crashed off Masbate last month, killing Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and two others, is now in Manila, the spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard said Thursday.

Commander Armand Balilo said the wreckage arrived 2 p.m. at the Manila South Harbor. The Coast Guard ship BRP Corregidor brought the wreckage from Masbate.

Included in the wreckage are the fuselage, two wings, and the engines of the Piper Seneca together with Robredo’s personal belongings, Balilo said. These were found about 800 meters off Masbate City’s shoreline the week following the crash.

“The plane wreckage will be properly turned over to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for investigation, Balilo said.

The plane was registered as RP- C4431 and was carrying Robredo, his aide-de-camp and two pilots to Naga City from Cebu when it crashed into the sea off Masbate on August 18. Only Robredo's aide survived. — RSJ, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Body of Nepalese co-pilot recovered, ending search and retrieval operations

MANILA, Philippines - The body of Nepalese co-pilot Kshitz Chand was recovered early Thursday, according Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

Gazmin, in a press conference in Masbate City early Thursday, said the body was positively identified by the young pilot's father and brother.

"The body was found near the site where the fuselage was recovered yesterday," Gazmin said. "The body was positively identified by the father and his brother to be that of the co-pilot Mr. Kshitz Chand."

Gazmin said that with the recovery of Chand's body, authorities are now ending search and retrieval operations.

In the official Facebook page of President Benigno Aquino III, it said that Chand was brought to shore by 10 Army soldiers and was transported via a 6x6 truck to La Funeraria Eternas.

Chand was the last body recovered from the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane that crashed off Masbate Saturday afternoon. The plane carried DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, who perished in the crash.

"We condole with the familes of Sec. Robredo, Mr. Jessup Bahinting, Mr. Kshitz Chand," Gazmin said.

With this, he said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will take over for the investigation of the plane crash.

source: interaksyon.com

Sunken plane off Masbate lifted to surface, Nepalese pilot not inside wreckage

MANILA, Philippines - The wingless Seneca Piper plane that sank 180 feet to the ocean floor off Masbate City had been lifted to the surface Wednesday night by a team of Navy men and other professional divers, who earlier retrieved the bodies of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and veteran pilot Jessup Bahinting.

But the remains of Bahinting's Nepalese co-pilot, Kshitiz Chand, 22, was not inside the wreckage, according to Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II. [See related story: Young pilot with Robredo on ill-fated plane wanted to serve Nepal by joining its army]

The plane, with body number RP-34431, crashed off the city's Barangay Ibingay 800 meters from the shore on Saturday, August 18, due to engine problem.

Bahinting's remains were recovered earlier in the day, while Robredo's body was retrieved on Tuesday. Robredo's aide, Police Senior Supt. June Paolo Abrazado survived the crash.

article source: interaksyon.com

Bahinting's body pulled out of plane

MANILA, Philippines -- The remains of 60-year-old veteran pilot Jessup Bahinting was recovered Wednesday afternoon from the ill-fated light plane that crashed off Masbate City with the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo onboard, authorities said.

Earlier in the day, Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II in a tweet said the body was "unrecognizable though with a ring."

It was Bahinting's brother, Orson, who identified the victim.

"It's confirmed," Orson told a television station Wednesday night adding that the remains of his brother would be brought to Cebu City.

Robredo's body was recovered by divers from the fuselage of the downed Piper Tuesday afternoon.

Aside from Robredo and Bahinting, co-pilot, Kshitiz Chand, also went down with the plane. The 22-year-old Nepalese remains missing.

Only Robredo's aide, Senior Inspector Jun Abrasado, survived the August 18 crash.

Meanwhile, News5 reported past 8 p.m. that Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that the wreckage of the Piper Seneca plane, which sank 180 feet to the ocean floor, had been lifted near the surface and would be brought to shallow waters.

source: interaksyon.com

German diver in decompression chamber after deep dive in Robredo ops

German technical diver Danny Brumbach's condition was described by Science Secretary Mario Montejo as in "very positive status" hours after he was brought to a decompression chamber on experiencing the apparent "bends" while helping retrieve the bodies of two pilots from the plane that crashed in Masbate Sea with Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

His functions seemed "normal," according to Montejo, and Brumbach can speak and move his hand, but "he is still being closely monitored" at the chamber inside the BRP Edsa of the Philippine Coast Guard. The BRP Edsa is anchored near where search teams earlier retrieved the body of Robredo, four days after a Piper Seneca plane bearing him, his aide Jun Abrazado and two pilots plunged into the sea while attempting an emergency landing at Masbate airport.

Abrazado was pulled out of the water by a local fisherman within minutes of the crash.

Diving operations at Masbate Sea resumed shortly past 3 pm Tuesday after being halted by an emergency involving Brumbach, whom Montejo later identified as a DOST consultant.

Brumbach was pulled out from the site on experiencing difficulty as he reached a depth of 60.5 meters.

Initial reports said Brumbach succumbed to what is known as "decompression sickness." He fell unconscious amid search operations for the two missing pilots, Capt. Jessup Bahinting and Kshitz Chand, but one radio report said he was seen to be conscious when he was transferred to the decompression chamber, though his mouth was foaming.

According to the website Divers Alert Network, "decompression sickness" or "the bends" is an illness that results from "inadequate decompression following exposure to increased pressure" It usually happens when a person surfaces after a dive.

Brumbach was brought to the decompression chamber at the Coast Guard’s BRP EDSA, after he was pulled out from the site on experiencing difficulty as he reached a depth of 60.5 meters.

Initial reports said Brumbach succumbed to what is known as "decompression sickness." He fell unconscious amid search operations for the two missing pilots, Capt. Jessup Bahinting and Kshitz Chand, but one radio report said he was seen to be conscious when he was transferred to the decompression chamber, though his mouth was foaming.

Technical divers early Tuesday morning recovered the body of Robredo, but pilot Bahinting and his copilot remained pinned down in the cockpit in the main part of the plane nestled on the seabed. The Piper Seneca plane plunged into the sea while trying an emergency landing on Masbate airport Saturday afternoon, on its way to Naga from Cebu.

source: interaksyon.com

Aquino heading for Naga to pay respects to Robredo

President Benigno Aquino III headed for Naga City in Bicol Tuesday morning to pay his respects to the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

A report by radio dzBB’s Benjie Liwanag Jr. quoted Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II as saying Aquino took a plane to Naga, also to condole with Robredo’s family.

No other details of Aquino’s trip were made public.

Robredo’s body was retrieved off Masbate earlier Tuesday, stunning his supporters and colleagues.

Aquino had been in Naga City Monday afternoon, where he met with the family of Robredo and updated them on search operations.

Before that, he went to Masbate early Sunday to personally supervise search operations for Robredo, and the pilot and co-pilot of the plane that crashed off Masbate while heading to Naga City from Cebu last Saturday.

Aquino considers Robredo a close personal friend. –KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Flags in Manila, police camps fly at half-mast for Jesse Robredo

Philippine flags at all city government offices and schools in Manila were ordered flown at half-mast after the death of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo was confirmed on Tuesday.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said he gave the order upon learning that Robredo’s body had been found and retrieved from the fuselage of a plane that crashed off Masbate last Saturday.

“I ordered all city government offices and schools to display the Philippine flag at half-mast to mark the passing of DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo,” Lim said on his Twitter account.

As Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Robredo supervised the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

At Camp Crame, PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said police camps nationwide have been ordered to fly the Philippine flag at half-mast to mourn the death of Robredo.

Bartolome said this is a gesture of "our great respect to a great man and a good leader."

"All PNP camps are hoisting the national colors at half mast as an expression of our great respect to a great man and a good leader who steered the DILG-PNP family through the straight and narrow path of proper public service," Bartolome said in a statement posted on the PNP's Twitter account.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has likewise followed suit in honoring Robredo.

"I have already directed that the flag in the DOJ premises be on half mast," De Lima said.

Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas confirmed on Tuesday that Robredo's body was found at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, 800 meters from the shore off Masbate.

In a press briefing, Roxas said Robredo’s body was found at a depth of 180 feet inside the fuselage of the small Piper plane that carried him and three others on Saturday.

"'Yung unang sumabak na mga tech divers 'yung mga puti na nakita natin kahapon, si Matt at ang kanyang team na dalawang babae. At 8:15, kumpirmado na na 'yung isa sa mga katawan ay 'yung kay Sec. Jess Robredo," Roxas said.

Hours before Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II confirmed Robredo’s body had been found, Lim led activities marking the 29th death anniversary of former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., father of incumbent President Benigno Aquino III. - VVP/RSJ, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Tributes pour in for late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo

Tributes poured in on Tuesday for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo after authorities confirmed his death in a plane crash off Masbate.

Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas confirmed on Tuesday morning that the body of Robredo was found at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, 800 meters from the shore of Masbate.

In a press briefing, Roxas said Robredo’s body was found at a depth of 180 feet inside the fuselage of the small Piper plane that carried him and three others on Saturday.

"Yung unang sumabak na mga tech divers 'yung mga puti na nakita natin kahapon, si Matt at ang kanyang team na dalawang babae. At 8:15, kumpirmado na 'yung isa sa mga katawan ay 'yung kay Sec. Jess Robredo," Roxas said.

Retired archbishop Oscar Cruz called for a hero’s burial for Robredo, whose body was retrieved from the fuselage of the plane.

“Maraming pasasalamat at natagpuan din. (Sana) mabigyan siya ng disenteng paglilibing, sana malagay sa Libingan ng Mga Bayani,” Cruz said in an interview over radio dzBB.

Cruz had lauded Robredo for not abusing his powers and for remaining untainted by corruption.

As Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Robredo supervised the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended its condolences to the family of Robredo, saying in a statement: "We join the Filipino nation in mourning the passing of Secretary Robredo. We send our condolences to his bereaved family."

The high court acknowledged Robredo's role as an "indispensable partner in judicial reform."

"He was a member of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council and ex officio Chair of the National Police Commission, whose Technical Committee on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice System includes representation from the Court pillar," the SC said.

Created in April 2010, the JSCC is a joint effort among the SC, the DILG and the Department of Justice, seeking to create a coordinated approach to justice sector policy making, planning, and operations.

Before being appointed as secretary of the DILG in 2010, Robredo served for more than 18 years starting in 1988 as mayor of Camarines Sur's Naga City, which was named by Asiaweek as one of the "Most Improved Cities in Asia" in 1999.

One of PHL's finest servant-leaders

Vice President Jejomar Binay, via Facebook, said: "I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Sec. Robredo. I urge everyone to pray for them, that they trust God’s plan for all of us. They need our wholehearted prayers and support."

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said with Robredo’s death, the nation lost one of its finest servant-leaders.

“Jesse has passed. The nation has lost one of her finest servant-leaders. Join us in mourning and tribute,” he said on his Twitter account.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma Jr. said in a statement: "Secretary Jesse Robredo served our people selflessly and honorably. He was an exemplary public servant, a pathfinder in implementing innovations in governance."

"He inspired all those with whom he worked by dint of his enthusiasm and devotion to duty. Our thoughts and prayers go with his family," Coloma said.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., in a statement, said: "I join my colleagues in the Cabinet and the whole nation in mourning the passing of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and pilots Capt. Jessup Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand."

"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.

"Our prayers go out to the families of Secretary Robredo and his companions, as well as to his constituents in Naga and the officials and employees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, 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," Ochoa added.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, via the PTV-4 Facebook account, said: "Napakabait ni Sec. Jesse Robredo. Sincere. Isang totoong tao. Malaking kakulangan sa ating bansa. Napakadali ng communication namin ni Sec. Jesse. Walang cheche bureche kami mag-usap."

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., via Twitter said: "Lord, may we find inspiration through our grief. Rest in Peace, Sec. Jesse."

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said, "The loss of Secretary Jesse is such a great loss for the public service. Anyone who had the opportunity to work with him, as I have, would have sensed his dedication, his sincerity and the high regard he placed on his responsibility to the people. He was quite simply, a good man and exemplary public servant."

"I feel his loss on a personal level also, not just because hwas a fellow Bicolano, but also because our respective mandates meant that we have been working closely together over the last two years on various matters, and I know that there are still a lot of things we could have accomplished together," De Lima said.

"I intend to honor him by vowing to carry on what we have started. He truly was "gone too soon." I, on my own behalf and that of the DOJ family, join Sec. Jes's family in grieving his untimely passing. Their loss is the nation's loss. The DOJ family lost a staunch partner and a prime mover in our fight against criminality and impunity," she added.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, via Twitter, said: "We mourn with the nation for the loss of a great public servant, Jesse Robredo. Our condolences to his family and the two pilots' families. RIP."

Senator Franklin Drilon, in a statement said: "Our country is grieving for we have just lost a man who had manifested genuine sincerity to serve his country. Truly, he was one of a kind public servant."

"I was honored to have worked with Secretary Jesse on various projects to advance developments in the LGUs. Also, I salute Secretary Jesse for sharing vision with us and for helping us in crafting sound policies in the Liberal Party where he belonged," Drilon added.

Senator Chiz Escudero, in a statement, said: "The passing of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo is a tremendous loss for the entire nation. He was a stalwart and a pillar of our collective quest for change and good governance."

"I mourn the loss of Secretary Robredo. He embodied everything a Filipino leader should be. He was an honored son of Bicol, a decent and loving husband and father, and a principled man whose honesty and integrity were beyond question," Escudero said.

"My family and I express our deepest condolences to the Secretary's family. I call on Bicolanos, as well as the entire nation, for prayers for the eternal repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones that they find strength to see this tragedy through. While he has left us to be with the Creator, his memory and legacy should be remembered, now and in the days to come," he added.

Senator Pia Cayetano, who is out of the country, issued a statement, saying: "My family and I join the nation in mourning the loss of a great Filipino servant and friend Sec Jesse Rebredo and his companions.

"We pray that the families of Sec Jesse, his pilot J. Bahinting and co-pilot K. Chand may be enveloped in love at this difficult time. I consider Sec. Jesse not just a friend but a mentor. I was campaigning as a senator in 2004 when I met hi m as mayor of Naga City," Cayetano said.

"Later, I arranged with Mayor Jesse to visit Naga City to learn from their best practices, they were best in everything. For years, I've told people how progressive and inspiring Naga City [is], one of my favorite cities in the country," Cayetano added.

Ex-Sen. Zubiri rode Robredo plane recently

Meanwhile, former Senator Migz Zubiri, in a statement, said: "It's truly a sad day for good governance in our country because of the death of sec.Jessie Robredo. He was a principled and honorable leader and most of all a devoted family man."

"It is also a sad day for the aviation industry for losing a great pilot whos devotion to his craft is second only to his charitable works as a true christian. I have personally known Capt.Jessup Bahinting for several years and have flown with him on the same plane, several times in the past. The last of which was Aug.10,11 and 12," Zubiri said.

"Nothing seemed wrong w the plane at that time and my experience with Capt. Bahinting's piloting skills are unquestionable. Capt. jessup as he is fondly called was a true Humanitarian and would always lend his skill and his planes to people in need," Zubiri recalled.

"More recently, His plane even rescued and brought the aide of Gov.Matugas who survived an assasination attempt last aug.13 to a cebu hospital from surigao city, as well as the several other humanitarian missions he has done in the past without any fanfare. The country truly lost 2 great individuals but lets let their spirit live on inside us. May God bless their souls," Zubiri said.

More tributes

The United States Embassy issued a statement saying, "Ambassador Thomas and the entire U.S. Embassy in Manila extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, as well as Captain Jessup Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand, who lost their lives in a plane crash on August 18."

"We will miss our friendship and partnership with Secretary Robredo, as he dedicated himself to bettering the lives of the Filipino people. We stand with the people and government of the Philippines at this difficult time, and are prepared to assist the Philippine Government in the aftermath of this tragic accident," the embassy added.

Former US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Ann Kenney, via Twitter, said: "Admired. Respected. Dedicated. Sec. Robredo will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to his family."

Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley hailed Robredo for being an exemplary public servant, describing him as “a leader who ushered in a new era of political reform in the Philippines.”

“The government of Canada would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Secretary Robredo, the government of the Philippines and the Filipino people,” Thornley said in a statement.

“He inspired government workers to selfless devotion in public service. He was an icon of change and a passionate advocate of good governance,” he added.

Robredo, the envoy said, is recognized for his contributions to government transparency and democratic development - values that Canada strongly shares with the Philippines.

“He will be sincerely missed by the Filipino people, including the 600,000 Canadians of Filipino origin,” Thornley said.

United Kingdom Ambassador Stephen Lillie, in a statement posted on the British Embassy website, said: "The British Embassy is saddened by the death of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Captain Jessup Bahinting and co-pilot Kshitiz Chand. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government of the Philippines and the families of Secretary Robredo, Captain Bahinting and Mr. Chand."

Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, in a statement, said: "The entire 147,000 men and women of the Philippine National Police mourn the demise of the father of the DILG family, Secretary Jesse M Robredo."

"All PNP camps are hoisting the national colors at half mast as an expression of our great respect to a great man and a good leader who steered the DILG-PNP family through the straight and narrow path of proper public service," Bartolome said.

"As Chief of the PNP, I extend the deepest sympathy of all officers and men to the family of the late Secretary. We join the family and friends of the late secretary in prayer fir theternal repose of his soul," Bartolome added.

Department of Health Undersecretary Enrique Tayag, via Twitter said: "Sad day for the Philippines. We will miss you Sec. Robredo. The nation mourns passing of a Leader."

The Taguig City government, via Twitter, said: "The City of Taguig mourns the loss of a great man, friend and icon in local government service, Sec Jesse Robredo."

Mahar Lagmay, executive director of Project NOAH, via Twitter, said: "We have lost a great man. Your good heart will always be an inspiration to us all."

Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez, via Twitter, said: "R.I.P. Sec. Jesse. Heaven is your reward for a life well-lived. You will always be an inspiration to so many."

Customs commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon, via Twitter, said: "Like Ninoy's passing on Aug. 21 started a freedom revolution,let Aug. 21 be the start of a good governance revolution in Sec. Jesse's name." - with Kim Tan, Andreo Calonzo, Mark Merueñas, Gian Geronimo, Shai Panela, Michaela del Callar, VVP, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Robredo body recovered

With his voice cracking, Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas confirmed Tuesday morning that the body of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo was found at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, 800 meters from the shore of Masbate.

Roxas, in a briefing, said Robredo’s body was found at a depth of 180 feet inside the fuselage of the small Piper Seneca plane that crashed off Masbate Saturday afternoon.

"'Yung unang sumabak na mga tech divers 'yung mga puti na nakita natin kahapon, si Matt at ang kanyang team na dalawang babae. At 8:15, kumpirmado na na 'yung isa sa mga katawan ay 'yung kay Sec. Jess Robredo," Roxas said.

Roxas said Robredo’s body was the first to be accessed by divers, as the body was nearest the door.

"At roughly 8:30 or 8:40, 'yung bangkay ni Sec. Jess ay naiabot na sa surface at ito ay nilagay sa body bag at kinarga na sa barko ng Coast Guard. Ongoing pa rin ang operation for the other bodies in the fuselage," he said in a press briefing on Tuesday. Roxas said the retrieval was complicated because of the position of the fuselage.

"Fuselage, nakabaligtad kaya medyo kumplikado ang pag-retrieve dahil hindi nila masyadong ma-disturb 'yung fuselage at baka mapunta sa mas malalim na lugar," he said.

Robredo celebrated his 54th birthday last May 27.




"Jess has been underwater for more than two days now. Hindi basta bastang... the change in pressure and change in atmosphere is very complicated," he said, adding that they are seeking help form the Army, the Navy, the Philippine National Police forensics people and the Department of Health in order to ensure the preservation of the body.

Roxas added that retrieval operations continue for the two pilots and the fuselage.

"'Yung mga scuba tanks at iba pang pangangailangan ay pinapadala underwater para mapatuloy yung retrieval operation of the other bodies inside the cockpit," Roxas said.

"Tuloy po ang recovery operations... Hindi ito para kay Sec. Jess lang. The divers and the others are being deployed now to recover the others," he said.

"Sad as it is, we are now in search and recovery, retrieval," Roxas added.

He said the two pilots (pilot Jessup Bahinting and co-pilot Kshitiz Chand) were in the deepest part of the cockpit.

"Si Sec. Jess ay nasa baroto na nauna, siya ‘yung unang naaccess ng diver kasi ‘yung dalawang piloto nakasubsob sa cockpit sa loob na loob. Si Sec. Jess nasa likuran, mas malapit siya sa pinto. So siya 'yung unang nakuha ng diver at 'yan ang dahilan kung bakit nauuna na siyang dahan-dahan inakyat," Roxas said.

In a later interview Tuesday, Roxas said only one of the pilots was located so far.

PNoy, family informed

“Nakausap ng Pangulo ang misis ni Sec. Jess and informed her about the development,” he said in the briefing, parts of which were aired on dzBB radio.

Roxas said Aquino was “very quiet” when he was first informed about the development.

He said Aquino sought “absolute confirmation” and gave instructions to call him back once the development was confirmed.

“Noong kumpirmadong kumpirmado na, he wanted to make sure na mayroong malapit kay Ma'am Leni na katabi niya. Unfortunately Ma'am Leni was in her house at malayo pa 'yung mga kilala naming mga malapit sa kanya so pinagpasiyahan na sabihan na si Ma'am Leni direkta kaysa madinig pa niya sa espe-espekulasyon or what. So the President called Ma'am Leni and spoke to her this morning,” Roxas said.

"'Yung kapatid ni Jess na si Kuya Butch ay nasabihan na rin, at dinadala siya kung saan ngayon 'yung katawan," Roxas said.

In Naga City, dzBB’s Carlo Mateo said Jun Lavadia, a close friend of the Robredo family, was emotional upon learning of the development.

The remains of the late interior secretary were brought to his home city of Naga before 1 p.m. Tuesday, hours after his body was retrieved.

The search for Robredo and the two pilots was on its fourth day Tuesday, after the Piper Seneca bearing Robredo and three others crashed off Masbate Saturday while en route from Cebu to Naga.

Only Robredo's aide, Senior Inspector Jun Abrasado, was rescued from the plane shortly after it crashed. –With a report from Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Deep-sea divers find debris, but no sign yet of Robredo, 2 others

MANILA, Philippines - Technical divers on Monday found debris, believed to be from the plane carrying Secretary Jesse Robredo,after scouring the waters off Masbate, but saw no sign of Robredo and two pilots who went missing after they crashed into the sea off Masbate province last Saturday.

Two days since Robredo and the two pilots went missing—his aide de camp was found alive-- authorities are continuing with their search and rescue operations for the Secretary, employing experts to look for any signs of the plane.

After several minutes of waiting, volunteer divers returned after scouring the waters and showed to Cabinet officials what appeared to be debris roughly 180 to 210 feet and 2.5 kilometers from the shore.

"Matt of Evolution Dives Cebu reports dispersed debris field 180-210 feet roughly 2.5 kilometers from the shore. Analyzing his video now to plan next dives," DoTC Secretary Mar Roxas tweeted at around 6 p.m.

A four-man team of Navy technical divers also returned confirming what was earlier discovered in the same area: debris. Roxas said "glass pieces of cockpit" were also found and marked. Divers were unable to find the DILG chief and the two missing pilots, however.

source: interaksyon.com

Robredo family remains hopeful that DILG chief will be found

Hope springs eternal for the family of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo. They hope that he will be found today after going missing Saturday from a plane crash off Masbate.

Robredo’s eldest daughter Aika was interviewed on television and thanked President Benigno Aquino III on the government's relentless efforts to find Robredo as well as the two pilots who were on board the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane.

A vigil is being held at Robredo's residence in Naga City where family and friends gathered to pray non-stop for his successful rescue.

Internal conflict

But as is common in these instances when there is uncertainty, Robredo’s brother Butch seemed resigned to finding only the secretary’s body.

"Maibalik lang sa amin yung body (We simply want the body returned to us) so we'll be able to move forward. That's actually what we want,” Butch said in a separate interview at Good Morning Club Monday.

"I do not want to speak po in behalf of the family because we may feel differently, kami-kaming magkakapatid (us siblings). Pero ako sana makuha na namin siya para naman makastart na kami (But for me, I only want to recover him so we can start) and we can move on initially,” he added.

Butch went on to discuss the plan for the day: Tanks are being filled with nitrogen, helium, and oxygen so that the divers may last longer, some 20 minutes, underwater.

He said the air tanks that were used the past couple of days allowed divers to stay underwater for only five minutes.

Butch also said the sonar on Sunday detected something located 200 feet deep, but it was off-centered.

The objective of the dive, he said, is to find the plane. The two sonars work as a tag team: One would roam around what the other has marked. "Probably nandun daw so medyo hopeful naman ako dun. (They said it’s probably there so I am a bit hopeful about it)," he said.

Hurt by false stories of rescue

At the same time, he asked the people to stop spreading false stories that unduly give hope.

"I think it is unfair for our family. We are in pain and then people will just play a prank on us. Please don't do this to us. We are already suffering yet some opt to take the situation as a joke," Butch said in Filipino.

"Bigla lang may balita na nakuha ng (There was news that he was rescued by a) fisherman then everybody was happy and laughing, etc. And so of course we had it confirmed and then the authorities said it was unconfirmed,” he said.

He also told of a false story that his brother was found on a side of an island beside a bamboo house, and that he was wearing blue.

The family checked out the story even if it seemed far-fetched.

These stories make it imperative that at least one of them, in this case he, Butch, is hands-on in the search and rescue operations for his brother. And Butch wants more first-hand information, than rumors.

"Mas mabuti na ako (It’s better that it’s me). I never call my relatives in Naga until I'm certain kasi sila naman (so that they are) at least confident sa first-hand information unlike sa iba na para kaming niloloko (with others who seem like they’re trying to fool us),” he said.

source: interaksyon.com

Search for Robredo goes wider, deeper

Authorities have expanded search for Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and his two companions to nearby coastal areas in Bicol, Office of Civil Defense chief Benito Ramos said Monday.

Ramos said the Army's 9th Infantry Division is overseeing search in the areas of Burias Island in Masbate and nearby coastal towns of Matnog, Bulan, and Donsol in Sorgsogon and Pasacao in Camarines.

Ramos said it was possible that Robredo and the two pilots were swept by the strong current.

Divers are also scouring the waters of Masbate Bay for any sign of the missing plane.

Deeper search

American and Philippine deep-sea divers were scheduled to dive deeper, covering an area as wide as 16-square-kms, in the continuing search.

Deep-sea divers are set cover an area of 4-kilometers by 4-kilometers, employing nitrox (nitrogen oxygen) diving equipment, President Benigno Aquino III's official Twitter account said Monday.

The first dive was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Nitrox diving maximizes bottom time and surface intervals in the search for any signs of the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane that carried the DILG Secretary. It will allow the divers to stay out longer and to dive deeper.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II said that as of 8:30 a.m., tanks and mixing equipment from Manila had arrived in Masbate City. Helium and pure oxygen also arrived in Masbate City from Cebu. "They'll mix, load tanks, then send off first deep dive team in about two hours." Roxas tweeted.

source: interaksyon.com

Paghahanap kay Robredo, 2 iba pa, itinuloy Linggo ng umaga

Kasama ang 12 divers, muling sumabak Linggo ng umaga sa search and rescue operations mga rescu team para sa paghahanap kay Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, at dalawa pang kasama nito.

Si Roredo at ang dalawang piloto ng Piper Cessna plane na bumagsak sa karagatan ng Masbate Sabado ng hapon ay nawawala pa rin.

Sa panayam sa dzBB, sinabi ni retired General Darius Tuazon, hepe ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) ng Masbate, ang mga diver ay mula sa pinagsanib na puwersa ng Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army at dalawa mula sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Milagros, Masbate.

Nasa lugar na rin ng binagsakan ng eroplano ang mga bangka ng Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy at ang iba ay mula sa mga lokal na pamahalaan, ayon kay Tuazon.

"Wala pa kaming maibalita sa ngayon," sagot ni Tuazon sa tanong kung may impormasyon na sila sa kinaroonan ni Robredo.

Matatandaang pansamantalang nahinto noong Sabado ng gabi ang search and rescue operations dahil sa kakulangan ng mga rescuer ng mga kagamitan para sa madilim na pagsisid sa karagatan.

Ang taning makaligtas sa aksidente ay ang tauhan ni Robredo na si Police Senior Inspector Jhun Abrasado. — LBG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Philippines interior secretary missing in plane crash

(CNN) -- Philippines Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo is among three missing after a small aircraft crashed off Masbate Bay, the state-run PNA news agency reported, citing civil aviation authorities.

One person, identified as Robredo's aide, was rescued from the crash site, civil aviation chief William Hotchkiss told PNA.

Robredo was headed to Naga City to attend a political event, the agency reported.

The Philippines Department of Interior and Local Government said on its Twitter account that the pilot sent a distress call to the Masbate airport requesting an emergency landing. It also said that Robredo was unable to get out of the plane.

However, the department deleted its messages later.

The plane never made it the airport and crashed in the ocean, Hotchkiss said.

Authorities were searching for Robredo and the two pilots, PNA reported.

Robredo is a popular minister who is known for the transformation of Naga City into a premier place under his leadership as local chief executive, according to his official biography.

He is a graduate of John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

article source: CNN