Nepali pilot’s body recovered, retrieval ops end

By Ernesto A. Delgado

MASBATE CITY, Aug 24 (PIA) -- Retrieval operations have ended Thursday morning after the recovery of the body of Nepali flight student Kshitiz Chand, whose body was found floating not far from the site where his light plane crashed with Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and two others on board five days ago.

“With the recovery of Nepalese student pilot Kshitiz Chand, we now conclude the search and retrieval (SAR) operations,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told journalists in the final briefing of Task Force Kalihim.

Chand’s remains were spotted by skipper Pambitoy delos Santos of MBca Cooperative, a passenger boat sailing to Masbate Port from Ticao Island at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, Gazmin said.

The flight student’s father, Theck, identified his son through his shirt and watch at La Funeria Eternas here, Lt. Col. Julian Pacatan, Army commander in Masbate, said.

The remains of Capt. Jessup Bahinting, the chief pilot of the ill-starred plane, were recovered from the right side of the Piper Seneca’s cockpit just hours before the recovery of Chand’s body. Robredo’s body was found on Tuesday and are now lying in state at his hometown in Naga City.

The lone survivor, Senior Insp. June Paolo Abrasado, was brought to Manila for treatment of injuries that he suffered from the crash.

Gazmin said the Philippine government will help the Chand family transport the body to Nepal.

Gazmin said that with the conclusion of retrieval operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) would start its investigation of the cause of the tragedy. (MAL/EAD-PIA5 Masbate)


Robredo prepared to face the Lord --- Atty. Leni Robredo

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) -- Two days after the remains of the late Secretary Jesse Robredo was brought to the St. Therese’s Chapel at the Archbishop’s Palace for public viewing, Atty. Leni, the secretary's wife, faced local and national media in a press briefing held after the 9 a.m. mass.

Atty. Leni said, "He lived a full life, he fulfilled all his dreams. Just last Sunday, while we are waiting in the car, his flight was delayed and he mentioned that he had reached his quota, more even. He said he had no more dreams for himself, just for the children. His cup kasi is already overflowing,” Atty Leni said.

Secretary Robredo has given his all in as far as his duties and obligations to his countrymen were concerned. He had made himself available to all, lending his ear to complaints and problems and offered solutions and possibilities.

Mrs. Robredo also told members of media that her husband has always been ready and prepared to meet his Creator.

“He is prepared to face the Lord. He went to confession often, sometimes two or three times a month. He has prepared himself for this moment, so I didn’t even question why he had to go this early,” Atty. Leni added.

Mrs. Robredo also said that during that fateful day, she was exchanging texts and calls with her husband, updating each other of the ongoing swimming competition of their youngest daughter Jillian and the secretary’s activities during the day. But it was not the usual 10 to 20 text exchanges for the day. It was more than double that time but she said the Secretary was in a happy mood.

When she heard of the plane crash, she asked her daughter to pray.

“Jillian was beside me at that time so I told her - let us pray, something might have happened to your Papa’s plane, she was already crying. I called up Aika who was in Manila at that time to also pray together with her sister Trisha,” Atty Leni said.

“Everyone was hoping he will be okey, but after the first night, I knew he was gone.”

Atty. Leni said that they didn’t realize that her husband have done so much for his countrymen. What she knows of is that Sec. Jess is assured Naguenos love. They were not prepared for the overwhelming support and all the accolades generously pouring in after they have heard of the Secretary’s fate.

While Robredo had some frustrations at DILG, Atty. Leni believes that he was still hopeful that something good will come out of these sacrifices. She recalled her husband saying that it is important that we have a good President who will make his vision of having transparent governance, a reality. Robredo knew he was on his way to making his dreams come true.

“He was always telling me that it was important to have a no nonsense President and because of this, things will fall into place. He was a bit impatient but he knew all will be well.”

Atty. Leni called on everyone to continue supporting what her husband has started - his fight for corruption, his stand on good governance and call for transparency and vital reforms in the bureaucracy, among others – for only through these that we will keep the memory of a good man alive. (LSM- PIA 5, Camarines Sur)