Negros Oriental officials are saddened by the untimely death of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, whose body was finally retrieved yesterday off the waters of Masbate.

Gov. Roel Degamo said that, in behalf of the people of Negros Oriental, he expressed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the late secretary, and said the flag in front of the Capitol will be at half-mast to show that the province is mourning the loss of Robredo.

Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said Robredo’s death is a great loss to the country.

Mabinay Mayor Ernie Uy described the passing of Robredo a big loss to the nation, as the DILG secretary had pushed for and seriously implemented projects and programs for good governance.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping introduced by Robredo is an example of improving good governance, Uy added. The SGH awards local government units that perform well and comply with the DILG accountability and transparency programs.

Amlan Mayor Bentham de la Cruz said Robredo was the best performing of President Noynoy Aquino’s Cabinet officials.

Negros Oriental PNP deputy director Supt. Alet Virtucio said “We lost a good father in the PNP. He was the author of some reforms in the PNP, primarily to uplift the morale of the police to best serve the constituents.”

Dumaguete police chief, Supt. Crisaleo Tolentino, said Robredo is a great loss to the PNP, DILG and the National Police Commission. He said Robredo implemented reforms that were felt down to the lower units of the PNP. He was a true public servant, Tolentino added.

The Philippine National Police, Napolcom, Bureau of Fire, Jail Management and Penology, the Philippine Public Safety College, and all local government units in the country, are under the DILG.

The Senate and the House of Representatives also expressed deep sympathy and prayers to the family of Robredo.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. described the DILG Secretary as a good man. Beyond Robredo's numerous accomplishments as a government official, Belmonte said he respects the integrity, sincerity and dedication of Robredo as a public servant and a family man.

Sen. Franklin Drilon said the country is grieving for "We have just lost a man who had manifested genuine sincerity to serve his country."*RA/PNA

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