Secretary Jessie Robredo is dead. The Nation weeps

Today, August 21, the lifeless body of a friend and two others were found. Secretary Jessie Robredo's body along with two of his pilots were extricated out of a wrecked plane several meters deep below the ocean floor. Rescuers say they found the body inside the damaged plane, still strapped at the fuselage. Two of the pilots were also found.

The body was found around 7:40 in the morning and was brought into the surface an hour later. The wreckage was sited at 180 feet deep. 

This confirms earlier fears that the Secretary did, indeed, died after his plane crashed. 

A feeling of melancholy has set in. Every one is sad. There is somewhat a silent acceptance of Jessie's fate, but there is still something within us that probably fails to accept the inevitable truth. There are some of us who probably expected a different result, this writer included.

One of the things which sets Jessie Robredo apart from other government officials was his humility. Inspite of being one of the most powerful men in the country today, Robredo remained a humble, soft-spoken man. His heart was in the right place. He epitomizes the ideal public servant, one who always keeps in his mind and heart that he is just a servant, nothing more, of the people he loved, and the only consolation that one gets from service was the people's love. 

I'll treasure the memories of our meetings and forever, keep alive the very purpose of Jessie Robredo's existence--public service. This fifty four year old made his generation proud. 

We lost a great man. Our tears cannot even cleanse our sorrows.

Secretary Jessie Robredo's plane crashed in Masbate: no signs of life yet

I just couldn't believe what I heard---Secretary Jessie Robredo's plane crashed 3 kilometers off the Masbate airport. A deep sorrow rushed through me, as if I lost a very, very, valuable friend. I had several occasions where I was with him, but we never became truly friends. I admired him for what he did for his fellow men, how he improved the lives of his fellow folk without enriching his in the process.

Jessie Robredo is one of the most principled yet unassuming man I have ever met in my life. Inspite of having lots of power, Jessie remained humble and courteous. He is an exemplar of a public servant.

News of the crash left many dumbfounded. Going to a four day holiday, people should be celebrating for the extra "work-less" days. How can you now celebrate when you know that the peoples of Naga are grieving for the loss of their precious son?

My family and I hope that "second" (as what many people call him) is still alive, somewhere out there in the Masbate sea. I just pray that God gave him a lifeline, something to cling on, for he has still some more work to do for our people. 

Our merciful God is listening.