Cebu mourns for Robredo, pilots

CEBU, Philippines - Local leaders of the Liberal Party in Cebu offered a mass yesterday while a memorial mass will be held this morning at the DILG regional office in barangay Sudlon, Cebu City for the late Secretary Jesse Robredo, pilot Jessup Bahinting and co-pilot Kshitiz Chand.

Elected officials as well as leaders of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) - 7 said that the demise of Robredo is a great loss to the country.

Robredo's body was found yesterday morning by search and rescue teams, ending almost three days of waiting. He was on his way home to Naga City after two speaking engagements in Cebu City when the twin-engine Piper Seneca aircraft crashed off barangay Obingay, Masbate City. The search continued for Bahinting and Chand.

Cebu City Representative Tomas Osmeña said Robredo would have made a good President.

DILG-7 Director Ananias Mori Villacorta described his boss as a dedicated public servant who was able to make a difference in local governance through his Full Disclosure Policy in a span of less than two years.

Robredo's townmate, Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe of the Cebu City Police Office, said Robredo was a good friend and a good public servant.

"Maayong tawo. He is a symbol of change in Naga City," said Buenafe, a native of Naga City. "Everytime he visits here, we find time to meet," Buenafe said.

They get together to discuss extending assistance or just for plain conversation. But last Saturday, they never got the chance. Before Robredo arrived in Cebu, Buenafe said they contacted each other but since Buenafe had to be in Barangay Cantipla, Cebu City, he decided to meet Robredo before the secretary left for Naga City.

Sixth district representative Gabriel Luis R. Quisumbing expressed his sadness over the news. "I mourn with the family, friends, supporters and the Filipino nation. We lost a sincere, honest and hardworking public servant."

Yesterday's Mass was organized by LP provincial chairman Hilario Davide III and Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña.

The mass was officiated by Jesuit Fr. Jorge Anzorena, Robredo's fellow Ramon Magsaysay Awardee. He prays to have many Jesses in the Philippines.

At the local DILG office, Assistant Regional Director Elias Fernandez said that Robredo was hardworking and an effective leader and a staunch advocate of good governance. DILG-7 information officer Margueritte Ann Antonio said that his boss was down to earth and a model public servant which should be the image of the Cabinet members.— (FREEMAN)