Robredo would have joined Peñafrancia procession in Naga—childhood friend

MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo would have joined the fluvial procession in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City next month, his childhood friend said in an interview over Radyo Inquirer 990AM, hours before news of his death broke out.

Julian Lavadia Jr., also the spokesman for the Robredo family, told Radyo Inquirer on Tuesday that Robredo was a fervent devotee of the Patroness of Bicolandia, fondly known to Bicolanos as Ina (Mother), and never missed the procession in her honor every third Saturday of September.

Transportation and Communication Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas on Tuesday broke the news that technical divers recovered Robredo’s body 800 meters from the shore at a depth of 180 feet at past 8 a.m.

Robredo is survived by his wife, Lawyer Leni Mercado, and his three daughters—Aika, 23; Patricia, 18; and Jillian, 13.

Lavadia also said that from being a mayor to a Cabinet official, Robredo remained a simple man who, in his busy schedules, tried his best to find time for his family, especially his three daughters.

“Lumalakad po ’yan dito sa sentro (city center) ng naka-short lang, very simple tapos naglalakad sa mall ng walang bodyguard. Nagbibisikleta habang nag-iikot dito sa Naga noong mayor pa siya. Wala pong nagbago sa kaniya noong maging secretary siya,” Lavadia said.