The Philippine flag at the Bacolod Government Center flew at half mast on orders of Mayor Evelio Leonardia, while Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said a similar move would be made at the Capitol.

The flag also flew at half mast at police stations and camps throughout Negros Occidental, as in other parts of the country.

Yesterday morning, divers found the remains of Robredo 180 feet under water near the coast of Masbate, where the plane he was on went down Saturday, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas said.

Roxas said divers battled strong currents to reach the wreck of the twin-engine Piper Seneca, which was found overturned on the sea bed about 800 meters from the shore. They then brought up Robredo’s body.

Divers were still trying to recover the bodies of the Filipino pilot, Jessup Bahinting, and his Nepalese co-pilot, Kshitiz Chand from the sunken fuselage.

President Benigno Aquino III yesterday personally saw to the return of Robredo to Naga City, to his wife Leni and daughters Aika, Patricia and Jillian.

Malacañang ordered the formation of an inter-agency committee that will take charge of the funeral arrangements for the secretary.

Government Service and Insurance System chairman Daniel Lacson Jr. said the passing away of Secretary Jesse is a very sad moment for Filipinos.

Lacson, a former Negros Occidental governor and friend of Robredo, said “We’ve lost a very good man and outstanding government official. I hope that his life and memory will continue to be an inspiration for people in government as to what public service is all about.”

Gov. Marañon said he sympathizes with the family of Robredo and the two pilots and prays for their repose.

“The Filipino people should pray for Secretary Robredo who achieved so much even as a young leader of Naga City that led to his receiving a Magsaysay Award for public service. He should be emulated by other public servants and the youth for his exemplary work as a good and honest government official,” Marañon said.

Mayor Leonardia said “While we had been praying for a miracle, our worst fears have been confirmed. The country lost a great leader. There was so much potential and promise in Jesse Robredo. His breed only comes once in a blue moon.”

“We condole with the family of Robredo and the other crash victims,” Leonardia said.

“We take special notice that Secretary Jesse was also an outstanding family man, who was rushing home to fulfill his self-imposed duty to see his family every weekend. Mabuhay si Secretary Robredo,” Leonardia said.

Former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela, also a friend of Robredo, said “It is time to grieve the loss of a good man - a public servant without equal - but after the grieving is done, we must pay tribute to - in fact celebrate - the legacy that Jesse Robredo leaves behind. We need to keep his values alive.”

Rep. Julio Ledesma (Neg.Occ, 1st District) said his memory of Robredo “will always be positive and reinforcing - that his last thoughts were -- the Philippines is worth dying for.”

“My deepest sympathy to the family of Sec. Robredo... too bad he's gone too soon. We need people like him in public service,” Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) said.

Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th District) called Robredo “a kind man and an accommodating secretary. The country will definitely mourn the loss of a man who has served his nation well.”

Former San Carlos City Mayor Eugenio Lacson “I mourn the death of Sec. Robredo. It was through Galing Pook that I met up close the secretary and will always be grateful for this. We can only give him the highest honor by moving forward his call for good governance”.

“N4NM Bacolod mourns the passing away of Sec. Jesse Robredo, one of the most honest and hardworking men in our government today. A very sad loss indeed! May his soul rest in peace and claim his place in God's embrace as He promised,” Nana Yulo, a N4NM convenor, also said.

Robredo was flying to Naga from Cebu, where he was on an official trip, when the plane developed engine trouble, fell short of the runway and plunged into the sea.

The fourth person on the airplane, Robredo's aide, Police Senior Insp. Jun Abrazado, survived the crash with non-life threatening injuries after hauling himself out of the plane as it was about to sink. Fishermen picked him up from the water.*CPG

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