Salamat Jesse: A final salute to Secretary Robredo

The remains of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo were cremated Tuesday, ending eight days of national mourning.

Robredo died in a plane crash off the coast of Masbate Aug. 18. His body was found inside the plane wreckage after two days of intense diving search.

The Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia was packed with officials from the national and local government, as well as supporters, for the Aug. 28 requiem mass for late Cabinet official, who also served as long-time Naga City mayor.

After the mass, President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino conferred on Robredo the Legion of Honor with the rank of chief commander.

Robredo's wife Leonor "Leni" delivered a speech in response, wherein he thanked the administration, family and friends for supporting them in their time of grief.

This was followed by a eulogy delivered by the President, in which he exalted Robredo as "a true public servant."

A 19-gun salute was rendered to Robredo before he left the Basilica grounds while a three-volley salute was given at the crematorium.

The state funeral ended with the folding of the flag draped over Robredo's casket, which was then presented to Robredo's widow.

With Robredo's demise, the President is expected to name a new Department of Interior and Local Government chief.

President Benigno Aquino III sits near the family of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo. Aquino conferred on Robredo a posthumous Legion of Honor award with the rank of chief commander.

(Photo from the official Facebook page of President Benigno Aquino III)

Lawyer Leonor "Leni" Robredo, the widow of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, and their daughters Aika, Tricia and Jillian, fold the cloth draped over the Cabinet official's remains for the requiem mass.

(Photo from the official Facebook page of President Benigno Aquino III)

Naga City supporters flock to the city's basilica for the requiem mass of Interior and Local Governmente Jess Robredo. President Benigno Aquino III declared Aug. 28 as a non-working holiday in Naga City to give its residents an opportunity to attend their former mayor's funeral.

(Photo from the official Facebook page of President Benigno Aquino III)

Members of the uniform service carry the casket bearing the remains of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo before a final salute is rendered to the late Cabinet official.

(Photo from the official Facebook page of President Benigno Aquino III)

Members of the uniform service carry the casket bearing the remains of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo before a final salute is rendered to the late Cabinet official.

(Photo from the official Facebook page of President Benigno Aquino III)

After the state funeral, lawyer Leonor "Leni" Robredo, the widow of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, carries the folded flag that had been draped before her husband's casket. Robredo died Aug. 18 after a plane crash off the coast of Masbate. He was cremated Tuesday (Aug. 28).

(Photo from the official Facebook page of President Benigno Aquino III)