Sec. Jesse Robredo remains arrive in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo was given a hero’s welcome Friday as his remains were brought to the capital from his hometown in Naga City.

The cargo plane carrying his remains touched down Villamor Airbase a little past 10 a.m. His wife lawyer Leni Robredo and daughters Aika, Patricia and Jillian also rode the cargo plane.

Arrival honors were conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines before pall-bearers carried Robredo’s coffin draped with the Philippine flag into a hearse. Members of the Philippine National Police also stood by to witness the arrival of the DILG chief’s remains.

The honorary pall-bearers were Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, Cavite Representative Joseph Abaya, Harvey Keh convenor of Kaya Natin, Alice Murphy of Urban Poor groups and Joan dela Cruz of the DILG, who wore black arm bands.

The atmosphere was solemn as cabinet officials as well as staff of various government agencies waited for the arrival of Robredo’s remains at the airport.

From the Villamor Airbase, the convoy of Robredo’s remains will pass through Andrews Avenue, Old Airport Road, Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos Street, Finance Road, Ayala Bridge, and Solano Street towards Malacanang.

President Benigno Aquino III will lead the arrival honors, including a 19-gun salute for Robredo.

Malacanang has prepared a state funeral for Robredo, who is considered one of the government’s most powerful cabinet officials. It will hold a public viewing Friday night (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) until Saturday (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at its Kalayaan Hall.

The family has decided to bring Robredo’s remains back to Naga City, their hometown, on Sunday morning. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday.

Robredo was one of three passengers killed when a Piper Seneca plane they were riding on crashed the waters off Masbate last August 18. His aide, June Paolo Abrazado, survived the crash.