Palace: Search and rescue ongoing for Robredo, 2 others

Secretary Ricky Carandang

MANILA, Philippines – Malacanang said that search and rescue operations were ongoing for the aircraft carrying Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and two others that crashed off Masbate City Saturday and assured the public of updates.

“At the present time, search and rescue operations are ongoing for the aircraft carrying Secretary of the Interior Jesse Robredo, an aide and the pilot of the plane. The aircraft was off the coast of Masbate when contact was lost earlier today. We will be updating the public as details are confirmed: speculation is not useful at this point,” Communication Secretary Ricky Carandang said in a text message. “There is nothing we can verify at this point.”

Masbate officials said a fourth passenger and aide of Robredo, Jun Abrazado, survived the crash off Masbate City and was helping the Philippine Coast Guard in the search.

In a separate radio interview, DILG undersecretary Rico Puno said he and Robredo were together in Cebu.

Matikas Santos, INQUIRER.net