LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Jesse Robredo has been found dead near Masbate. Jesse Robredo, the Philippines Interior Secretary, was found dead under water near Masbate, a local island, after his plane crashed Saturday. Robredo’s body was recovered this morning, local time. Robredo’s state funeral plans are now underway.

Robredo was involved in a fatal plane crash Saturday that took the lives of two others on board. Among them are Filipino Jessup Bahinting and Nepalese Kshitiz Chand. Their bodies have yet to be recovered. A fourth passenger, Robredo’s aid, was able to survive with no serious injuries. As the plane was about to sink, the aid was able to open a rescue hatch. He was later discovered in good condition bylocal fishermen.

Jesse Robredo began serving in the administration of President Benigno Aquino III two years ago. But on Saturday, he was flying home to catch his daughter’s swimming competition in Naga City.

Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez told news today “Because of Jesse, the future of the children in Sarangani is brighter… In less than five years, Sarangani became the top performing province in the region in education for primary and secondary, from being the worst performing province… when I saw him and told him that the seeds that he had planted in Sarangani have borne fruit.”