CAAP inspector axed for allowing flight of Jesse Robredo's plane

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed on Friday the airworthiness inspector of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) who approved the flight of the ill-fated plane carrying the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo in 2012.

Radio reports said that Fernando Abalos was found guilty of falsifying public documents and clearing test flight results of the aircraft that crashed off Masbate in August 2012, killing Robredo and two pilots.

The Ombudsman resolution stemmed from a criminal and administrative complaint filed by CAAP Director General William Hotchkiss, accusing Abalos of violating Republic Act 9497, the act creating the CAAP.

Abalos was suspended for 90 days in 2012 following the plane crash.