Sec Robredo’s body found

By Christine Joy Sarmiento

Tuesday 21st of August 2012

QUEZON CITY, Aug 21 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo’s body has been found Tuesday morning.

Robredo’s body was found inside an upside down fuselage, 180 feet deep below sea level, Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas confirmed in a press conference this morning in Masbate.

Divers found the body of Robredo behind the aircraft, Roxas said, making it easier to retrieve while the other two pilots’ bodies, Capt. Jessup Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand’s, were attached to the cockpit.

Robredo’s body was brought to surface at around 8:15 a.m.

Roxas said President Benigno S. Aquino III already informed Robredo’s wife, Leni, about the news.

Operations have now shifted to search and retrieval for the bodies of the two pilots.

Roxas added they are also seeking the help of the Army, the Philippine National Police and forensics in handling Robredo’s body.

He said Robredo’s body will be brought to Naga.

The Seneca twin engine aircraft plane, carrying Robredo, his aid-de-camp PSI Jhun Abrasado and two pilots, crashed off the coast of Barangay Ibingay, Masbate on Saturday afternoon, August 18. Abrasado survived the crash and was found by fishermen in the area. (PIA-GHQ)