Doves, sirens mark Robredo's grand homecoming in Naga

Doves, flowers and sirens marked the grand homecoming that Naga City residents reserved for their beloved mayor, the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, on Sunday morning. Residents lined the streets from the Naga Airport to City Hall where Robredo's remains were to be brought, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported. Many bikers joined the convoy while several residents brought streamers with the message "We love you Pogi," Pogi being Robredo's nickname in Naga. One of the houses along the route of the convoy was colored yellow and black, to show support for the late official. A factory even sounded its siren as the convoy passed by the area. In other parts of the route, some residents threw flowers at the convoy, while others released doves into the air. But there were also some who blocked the lead part of the convoy, forcing police escorts to nudge them aside. The convoy briefly stopped in front of Robredo's house along Bulusan Street, where a portrait of Robredo was placed. It arrived at City Hall at 10:48 a.m., and received arrival honors before a Mass was held in Robredo's honor. Robredo, who served as mayor of Naga for 19 years, died in a plane crash last Aug. 18. The pilot and co-pilot of the plane were also killed. Only Robredo's aide survived. A state funeral for Robredo is to be held on Tuesday in Naga City. — BM, GMA News