Robredo tribute: ‘reformist, dear friend, a great loss to Filipino nation’

JONAS CABILES SOLTES, INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON/PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

MANILA, Philippines—In Basilan, Bishop Martin Jumoad described Robredo’s passing as a “great loss to the Filipino nation.”

“His heart is always for the people,” Jumoad said.

Robredo was supposed to fly to Basilan on Tuesday to attend the provincial peace and order council meeting, which was aimed at tackling the recent violence that hit the province, including attacks by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits on rubber plantations.

When news that Robredo’s body has been found, participants to the PPOC – including civil society members – offered special prayers for the late Interior secretary.

“I am very sad because Sec Jesse is gone,” Jumoad said.

Jumoad said Robredo was quick to contact him whenever he said something strong about the deteriorating peace and order situation in Basilan.

“He was really very approachable and he always responded once you send him a message or call him,” he said.

“Sec Jesse is one government official, who was always around for everyone,” Jumoad added.

Reformist

Governor-in-charge Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) described “Secretary Jesse as a reformist.”

“He was very consistent in supporting the reform initiatives and played a crucial role in uniting ARMM leaders,” he said.

In Cotabato City, a misty-eyed Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said he would have wished that Robredo was found alive but “Allah has his ways.”

He described Robredo as “a dear friend to us.”

“We would have wanted to see him back but we put our trust and faith in Allah,” Mangudadatu said. Julie Alipala and Charlie Señase, Inquirer Mindanao