What really happened?

As of this writing, the body of Nepalese co-pilot Kshitiz Chand was recovered. His body was not on the plane when Capt. Jessup Bahinting’s body was recovered. Chand’s body was seen floating near the area where the crash occurred. Finally, all the bodies of this ill-fated crash have been given up by the sea. This sort of brings closure to the families of the victims, including that of its lone survivor, Jun Abrasado.

 Finding Chand’s body floating on the surface of the sea and not inside the plane raises more questions than answers for the different teams now conducting an investigation into the fatal crash of Aviatour Air’s Piper Seneca. What exactly happened seconds before the crash, where one fisherman-witness told reporters that the plane turned upside down before hitting the water? This would have made the passengers unconscious if such a maneuver were violent enough, which probably happened. Only Abrasado then was conscious and had the wits to start saving himself. The others may have very well drowned while the plane was upside down and sinking.

 But why was Chand’s body not inside the plane? Did he jump at the last second before impact? I know there are doors for both the pilots and the passengers on this type of aircraft. Or was he thrown clear of it when the plane violently went belly-up? Some of these questions may be answered by the sole survivor, when he decides he can give an interview to the investigators. Still, I’m glad that the search is over. I pray for the families of those who lost their loved one, that their grief be short, but full of wonderful memories of the one that has left them behind.

 What amuses me is how so many who were identified as opposed to Sec. Jesse Robredo in one way or another now sing praises for him. All the praises and accolades that have been given this seemingly unwanted member of President Aquino’s cabinet just cannot be denied. They are testaments to the character and integrity of the man, of only a very few can even come close to. The whole city of Naga is in deep mourning for the passing of their son, their mayor, their leader. I am honored to have known the man, and believe in his capability to turn this country into a better land.

But even as I write, there are those who are already craving for the position he has vacated. A powerful and sensitive one indeed, the DILG must always be at the helm of a Jesse Robredo and nobody else. I certainly hope the President makes a wise choice in appointing the agency’s new head, and not give it to those who have always wanted it, friend or otherwise. Now is not the time to make hasty decisions, especially if pressured by those who think they wield just as much power, if not more, than the President himself! These are gigantic shoes to fill, and they must be filled by someone with a gigantic vision such as Jesse’s.