Palace says: Pray for Robredo

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang is asking the Filipinos to join it in prayer as search and rescue groups scour the waters off Masbate City where a light plane carrying Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo crashed Saturday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda appealed to the public to refrain from making speculations.

“We ask that the efforts be allowed to continue unimpeded and without speculation on the part of the public,”  Lacierda said in a statement.

“We must remain focused on the task: to find Secretary Robredo and his companions, and to bring them to safety,” he said.