Robredo's remains finally home

President Benigno Aquino personally sent home Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo's remains to his family today aboard C130.

He was met by Atty. Leni Robredo, their three daughters- Aika, Trisha and Jillian, together with friends, colleagues and political supporters at the Pili Airport at around 12:40 noon today.

After DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas' teary-eyed announcement on the television this morning that Robredo's remains was already found by foreign technical divers at around 7:15am today, President Aquino immediately flew in to Masbate where he personally oversee the retrieval of Robredo's body until it was placed in a metal casket.

From the airport, the convoy carrying the secretary's body was showered with yellow confetti and flowers. Individuals lined up along the main thoroughfares , some with placards etched with the words "We love you Secretary Jesse".

The party proceeded at Funeraria Imperial at Penafrancia Avenue, Naga City to transfer Robredo's remains from the metal casket to a coffin of his family's choice. The President was still with the family, personally consoling and making sure that Robredo's remains is decently laid to rest before he left for Manila.

The family has yet to decide where the vigil will be held.

Yesterday, President was also here in Naga to personally brief Atty. Leni of the status of the ongoing search and rescue off Masbate Coast. The private conversation took place at the Pili Airport lounge for almost an hour.

With the President to console the family of Robredo are DSWD Sec Dinky Soliman, DBM Secretary Butch Abad, DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang and other national government officials. - PIA — ARA