Robredo’s remains back in Naga City

The remains of the late Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo arrive at Naga City Hall Sunday, August 26, 2012. Photo from Official Gazette’s Facebook account.

MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo’s remains were returned to his hometown on Sunday.

The plane carrying his casket arrived at the Naga City airport from Villamor Air Base in Manila a little past 9 a.m.

Under an overcast skies, nine honor guards from the Philippine National Police carried the casket draped in Philippine flag.

After the Arrival Honors, the casket was loaded into the hearse at 9:23 a.m. and the cortege left the airport going to the Naga City Hall, about seven kilometers away, where A mass will be held for him.

At 2 p.m., a necrological service will be held by Nagas pastors and  ministers, according to the schedule  posted  in government’s official website.

His wake will be opened for public viewing from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. before offering another Mass.  The public viewing will open again from 9 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.

Earlier at the Villamor Air Base, President Benigno Aquino III led high-ranking government officials and Cabinet members a 15-minute departure honors, TV reports said.

As early as 6 a.m, policemen lined up along Quirino Avenue  and  Osmena Hi-way  to pay their  last   respect for Robredo, who  was killed with his two pilots  in a plane crash in the waters off Masbate City last August 18.

For the second time, a “water salute” was also offered for Robredo when his funeral cortege passed through the South Expressway, Communication Secretary Ricky Carandang said on his Twitter.

Robredo will be laid to rest on Tuesday in Naga City.  With Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon.

Originally posted at 9:28 am | Sunday, August 26, 2012