Jesse Robredo: Mar's protégé

The search continues for DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and the two pilots who remain missing after their Piper Seneca plane crashed off Masbate last Saturday. DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas, who is taking charge of the rescue efforts has been providing a constant stream of updates via his Twitter account where he also asked for prayers. Everyone knows Jesse Robredo is the protégé of Mar who recommended the former Naga City mayor to the DILG post. In fact, it was Mar who helped Robredo obtain a scholarship to Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government where the latter finished an MA in Public Administration.

Mar strongly batted for Robredo’s appointmentt, no doubt convinced that the Naga politician with his background as a local government executive would play a major role in whatever future political plans Mar would harbor. It is also no secret that President Noynoy Aquino at first was not too keen on appointing Robredo, a Liberal Party member. After a year however PNoy was eventually convinced the Naga politician was a good person for the local government portfolio.

Those who know Robredo describe him as an honest and decent man who is very family-oriented. Sources who saw the Cabinet official last Saturday say he kept looking at his watch – probably because he was in a hurry to get home because his daughter, who recently won in an international math contest, was being given recognition that day.

Family, friends and Cabinet colleagues continue to be hopeful that Robredo and his companions survived the plane crash with prayer vigils being held in the Robredo home in Naga and in La Salle, his alma mater. Filipinos are known for their deep faith, and their strong belief in miracles keeps them resilient during times of adversity. As of this writing, the government has deployed 50 divers and 25 vessels to intensify the search. US naval attaché Capt. Jack Sutherland has also offered help via a fleet survey team, with high technology sonar equipment and forward-looking infrared camera being used. A real miracle would be for news of Jesse Robredo found floating at sea – something that everyone is hoping for. 

‘Show of solidarity’

Ambassador Harry Thomas invited us yesterday for a tour of the USS Milius (DDG-69) that arrived last Saturday for a “routine” port call. An Arleigh Burke class destroyer commissioned in 1996, the USS Milius is named after naval aviator Capt. Paul L. Milius who gave his life for his crew during a 1968 combat action in Laos – which accounts for the motto “Alii Prae Me” or “Others Before Self.” The USS Milius, said to be the best of the US Navy’s new class of Arleigh Burke-guided missile destroyers, has a complement of over 300 men that includes 29 Filipino-American enlisted personnel with officers headed by commander Nicholie Bufkin, one of the few females who serves as commanding officer.

The multi-mission capable (both offensive and defensive) vessel can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, expeditionary strike groups and underway replenishment groups. It is built around the Aegis combat system with a Lockheed Martin manufactured AN/SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar that has a 360-degree coverage due to four computer-controlled complementary antennas.

Commander Nikki Bufkin said the USS Milius can execute “a full range of missions” including maritime security and ballistic defense operations in support of the US government and attain coalition objectives with partners. Ambassador Thomas said the visit of the USS Milius – which is here officially for replenishment – underscores the strong community and military ties between the long-time allies.

No doubt we can expect more “goodwill visits” from US vessels as a show of solidarity between the US and Philippine governments.

Canada to provide over P2.1 million aid

Canada is also showing solidarity with the Philippines by allocating an initial P2.1 million for relief efforts to flood victims of the recent monsoon rains that submerged half of Metro Manila and displaced almost three million people. Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley expressed his condolences to victims and their families, reiterating Canada’s readiness to assist the Philippines in times of need. He disclosed that the Canadian International Development Agency will continue to support the efforts of the International Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent Societies and the Philippine Red Cross in the affected areas which include several Luzon provinces.

Aside from food, water and other relief items, the IFRC will also provide disease prevention and health education as well as psychosocial support to affected families, especially those that are still in evacuation centers. Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation Julian Fantino likewise expressed his country’s deep concern about the devastation caused by the monsoon rains and its impact on the people. Damage to agriculture and infrastructure wrought by the monsoon rains plus the onslaught of typhoon Helen is placed at over P3.1 billion.

Fantino said Canada will continue to “monitor the situation closely to ensure basic human needs are met and provide further assistance if required.” Canada is home to more than 600,000 Filipino-Canadians, with the Greater Toronto Area having the biggest concentration of Filipinos.

Spy tidbit

Rep. JV Ejercito told us that even his father has had a taste of the Ukkokei owner’s rudeness who turned down former President Joseph Estrada because the owner didn’t feel like serving his famed noodles. The offensive manners of the Ukkokei owner is very reminiscent of a character nicknamed the “Soup Nazi” in the comedy show Seinfeld, who serves very good soup but makes it appear that he is doing you a favor by eating in his restaurant.

* * *

Email: [email protected]