MikeLigalig.com

By Gloria Jane Baylon

The ambassadors of China and the United States in the Philippines are among the envoys on diplomatic row who early on expressed their “sympathy and deep sorrow” as well as "extreme shock" at the untimely death of Philippine Press Secretary and presidential spokesperson, Cerge Remonde.

Remonde, 51, died on Tuesday morning of an apparent heart failure. He is survived by his Netherlands-born wife, Marit Stinus, who writes a column for a Manila-based daily.

“Cerge Remonde was a respected journalist, a dedicated public servant, and a personal friend,” said US Ambassador Kristie Kenney.

“I am honored to have known him and worked with him. On behalf of myself and the Embassy, I offer heartfelt condolences to Cerge’s colleagues, family members and loved ones,” she said.

China’s ambassador Liu Jianchao, said in his condolence letter that he is “extremely shocked” by the sad news of Remonde’s passing away.

”In behalf of the Chinese embassy and in my own name, I wish to convey to Your Honorable and, through you, to Her Excellency, President Arroyo and the Philippine Government our deepest sympathy,” Liu said in his letter addressed to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

Liu said Remonde’s death “is not only an enormous loss to all those who suffer and grieve, but to your great country.”

”Cerge will be long remembered for his impressive achievements in journalism and government, and his remarkable abilities and manifold talents that have ensured his professional accomplishments,” wrote Liu who was a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry before his posting in Manila in March.

A month before Liu's posting as ambassador, Remonde himself was appointed by Mrs. Arroyo to head the Office of the Press Secretary.

”Cerge represents the best of the President’s aides and exemplifies the finest in public service,” Liu said. “Our thoughts are with the bereaved family members as they deal with agony and grief. We pray that they will be comforted by fond memories with Cerge and encouraged by his noble legacy.”

On her part, Kenney said (Cerge and Marit) are “long-time friends of the US Embassy,” since the couple have both participated in exchange programs promoting international understanding and closer bilateral ties.”

A mass will be said at 7:00 tonight at the Heritage Memorial Park in Bonifacio Global City where his body lies in state. It will be moved to Malacanang on Thursday.

Interment is on January 25 in the municipality of Argao in Cebu where Remonde was born and spent his childhood. (PNA)

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=24667.0