Remonde remains leave Manila, en route to Cebu

The remains of the late Press Secretary Cerge Remonde left Manila Friday morning en route to Cebu province, just following a sendoff ceremony in Malacañang. Radio dzBB's Tuesday Niu reported that the C-130 cargo plane bearing Remonde's remains left Villamor Air Base at 9:52 a.m. Meanwhile, Radio dzXL reported that foyer honors were held for Remonde’s remains at the Villamor Air Base before heading for Cebu. From Manila, Remonde’s remains were to be transported to the Malacañang in Cebu via a C-130 cargo plane, then to his hometown of Argao, where a hero’s welcome had been prepared for him. Expected to accompany Remonde’s remains to Cebu during the flight were Remonde’s relatives including his widow, Marit, and broadcaster Reynante “Rey" Langit, a close friend of Remonde. Four motorcycle escorts from the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group and mobile units from the Manila Police District escorted Remonde’s cortege from Malacañang to Villamor. Niu said that President Arroyo joined officials in a sendoff for the funeral cortege, which left Malacañang shortly before 9 a.m. Before the sendoff, Remonde’s widow Marit and other relatives had one last chance to view his remains, which had been brought to Malacañang’s Heroes’ Hall Thursday. Remonde died of a heart attack in his Makati City house last Tuesday. Mrs. Arroyo has appointed Manila Bulletin editor-in-chief Crispulo Icban Jr. to replace him. - TJD, GMANews.TV