US aids search for Robredo

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has been missing since Saturday after the plane carrying him and three others crashed in the waters off Masbate City.

MANILA, Philippines—The United States Department of Defense has approved the requested underwater assistance from the Philippine government as it tried to locate missing Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, said a report Tuesday.

“We’re finalizing plans to support the search and rescue operation with underwater salvage assets,” said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little as posted in the US Department of Defense website.

The US provided initial aerial support following the plane crash upon request and is preparing to provide additional assistance. The Philippine government also has requested underwater assistance, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has approved that assistance, he added.

“Secretary Robredo is a respected and valuable leader and partner in the Philippines,” he said. “Our thoughts are with those in the aircraft, their families, and with the people of the Philippines during this difficult time.”

The four-seat Piper Seneca carrying Robredo to Naga City from Cebu City crashed in Masbate Pass as it was attempting an emergency landing around 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Robredo’s police bodyguard, Chief Insp. Jun Abrasado, escaped from the downed plane and was rescued by fishermen.

Missing, besides Robredo, are the pilot, Capt. Jessup Bahanting, owner of the plane and CEO of Aviatour Air in Cebu, and Nepalese copilot Kshitiz Chand.