Body of Nepalese co-pilot found

Thursday 23rd of August 2012

QUEZON CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) –- After six days of search and rescue that later led to search and retrieval operations, the last body to be retrieved from the sea, where the ill-fated plane that carried the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo crashed, was finally found this morning.

In a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office, the body of the Nepalese co-pilot Kshitiz Chand was found floating by a fisherman today and reported it to Navy personnel and immediately recovered the body.

Combined troops of Navy, Army, Coast Guard and PNP brought the body to shore at 7:35 a.m.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, during the press conference, expressed gratitude to all who helped in the search and retrieval operations.

Likewise, Masbate Governor Rizalina L. Seachon-Lañete also thanked the people who prayed and helped. Lañete said the "bayanihan" spirit lives. (RJB/JEG-PIA NCR/AFP PAO)