Robredo's remains back in Naga City

MANILA (2nd Update) -- The remains of the late Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo were brought back to his hometown Naga City on Sunday morning after a two-day wake in Malacanang Palace.

Robredo’s body arrived at the Naga Airport in Pili, Camarines Sur around 9 a.m. His family, together with Secretaries Ricky Carandang and Manolo Quezon, arrived five minutes earlier on board a chartered Airphil flight.

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Police Regional Office-Bicol rendered full honors to Robredo at the airport.

Robredo’s funeral cortege was then brought to the Naga City Hall. It passed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary’s residence in Dayangdang St. on the way to the City Hall.

Thousands of people led by the city’s executives met Robredo and his family at the City Hall grounds around 10:48 a.m. Residents of Naga City also lined up the streets to welcome Robredo, while yellow ribbons were tied in government offices, business establishments and houses.

Several of those who welcomed the DILG chief also wore yellow shirts with Robredo’s face printed on it.

Malacanang also rendered departure honors for DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo before his body was flown to Naga City on Sunday.(Photos courtesy of Malacanang Photo Bureau)

At the City Hall, the honorary pallbearers were led by Senator Joker Arroyo, and local officials like Mayor John Bongal, Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado, Councilors Cecilia de Asis, Nelson Legason, David Casper Sergio, and Esteban Abunal.

Mass was offered at 11 a.m. at the Naga City Hall, where Robredo’s remains now lie in state. The Camarines Sur/Naga Pastors and Ministry Leaders will offer necrological services at 2 p.m. today, Sunday.

The public will be allowed to pay their last respect to the DILG secretary from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Another Mass will be held at 5 p.m. and a necrological service at 7 p.m.

Television reports said the public viewing and vigil will resume from 9 p.m. to midnight.

On Monday, Robredo’s body will be transferred from Naga City Hall to the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, where another arrival honors will be rendered by the PNP.

The DILG chief will be buried in Naga City around 10 a.m. of Tuesday, August 28, said his family.

Robredo, who served as mayor of Naga City for 19 years before he became secretary of the DILG, died in a plane crash off Masbate last August 18, 2012. His aide, Police Senior Inspector Jun Abrazado, survived in the accident, which also claimed the lives of the two pilots: Captain Jessup Bahinting and Nepalese co-pilot Kshitiz Chand. (PNA/Sunnex)