Pinoy pilot in Robredo crash buried

CEBU, Philippines – The pilot of the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane carrying Interior Sec. Jesse Robredo, which crashed off Masbate, Aug 18, was laid to rest in Ginatilan, Cebu yesterday (Aug 27).

At least 500 individuals participated in the funeral march for the interment of Capt Jessup Bahinting from the family-owned beach resort to a private cemetery in Barangay Poblacion, two miles away.

Before the interment, a memorial service was done for Bahinting by his brothers and sisters from Grace Communion International (GCI), where he is a pastor.

Former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, delivered his eulogy for his friend, filled with praise and pity for a man he considers as an “unsung hero.”

“There are a lot of things that Jessup did for others that he doesn’t want others to know,” Zubiri said.

He said he was upset with the “lack of attention” given to Bahinting despite his selfless deeds to others.

However, he promised in the presence of Bahinting’s widow, Margarita, and two of his three children, Sarah Lynn and Jemar, that his good deeds and memory will always be remembered and treasured.

Zubiri and Bahinting first met in 2007 during the national and local elections as charted plane provider.  

For Bahinting’s youngest daughter, Sarah Lynn, her father’s legacy will continue through them, his children, and with those whose lives he has touched in his lifetime

“His (Bahinting) legacy is not just aviation, but also his faith and love for Jesus,” Sarah Lynn shared in her eulogy.

Bahinting’s only son, Dan Bryan, failed to return to the country after experiencing problems with his documents in the United States.
After the memorial service, neighbours and friends waited at the side of the road weeping as they pay their last respects to Bahinting who have one-way another touched their lives.

“I’m very overwhelmed with the public’s support, and we thank everyone for their prayers and condolences. It was only through them (friends and family) that I realized how good my husband was when he still alive,” said Margarita.

Margarita embraced her husband’s casket for the last time and broke into tears.

White balloons with printed words, “We will miss you” were also released to the air after the captain’s casket was slid inside his final resting place (panchon.)

Bahinting died with Robredo, and Nepalese co-pilot Kshitiz Chand, whose remains were already flown back to Nepal on Sunday, Aug 26, for cremation when their plane crashed. Only the aid of Robredo, Sr. Insp. Jun Abrasado, survived the crash. –Ryan Christopher J. Sorote