Gov’t deploys 50 divers, sonar vessel to search for Robredo

Photo from Benigno Aquino’s official Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines – The search and rescue operations for missing Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo and his companions were intensified Sunday.

Airborne and underwater operations were still ongoing, according to President Benigno Aquino III’s official Facebook page. Aquino flew Sunday to Masbate to oversee the search.

Around 50 divers and a sonar vessel were deployed in the crash site, it added. The sonar vessel of Electronic Geophysical Survey that came from Cebu can detect any underwater metal object.

Helicopters and ships also crisscrossed overhead. Troops and police searched along the coast and a US Navy plane flew over the area to help look for the wreckage.

As of 10 a.m. Robredo and his companions remained missing, Transport Secretary Mar Roxas said in a statement.