By Harold Hisona

Published: August 18, 2012

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo is still missing after 5 hours of search and rescue operation following a plane crash in Masbate City on Saturday, August 18th.

The incident happened around 4:30 pm today and it was confirmed that Robredo was on board the plane together with his aide and two pilots. While rescuers found that Piper Ceneca was split in two, there was one survivor in the person for Capt. Jun Abrazado who pointed out the exact location of the crash site.

A report from ABS-CBN said that Robredo’s plane contacted the tower to ask for clearance for an emergency landing, however, the light aircraft fell 150 meters short and crashed to the sea.

Secretary Robredo was on his way home to Naga.

We, at Philippine Almanac, are praying for the welfare of Secretary Robredo even if hope is bleak.