Slain Cebuano soldier praised

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council yesterday passed a resolution expressing condolences to the family of the navy officer killed during an encounter in Zamboanga City.

“Resolved, to express the Cebu City Council’s sincerest condolences to the family of Petty Officer 3 Jose Audrey Bañares who was killed while fighting and preventing MNLF forces from attacking in Zamboanga City last Monday and to commend his bravery and sacrifice for committing his life to the service of the Filipino people,” the resolution authored by Councilor Alvin Dizon reads.

The provincial government is also laying down plans to honor Bañares.

Governor Hilario Davide III said yesterday he will discuss particulars with the Provincial Board.

“We will think something to honor him. I will discuss it to Vice Gov (Agnes Magpale) and the Provincial Board,” Davide said.

Major General Roy Deveraturda, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Central Command, also expressed condolences to Bañares’ family. He said the slain soldier was an example of how dedicated and selfless the Filipino soldier is. 

“Ako nakikiramay sa kanyang pagpanaw ngunit ang masasabi ko lang ay ang kanyang ipinakitang katapangan at kabayanihan ay isang pagpapakilala kung anong uri ang kawal Pilipino na laging nakahanda at tutupad sa tungkulin,” he said.

Deveraturda also said Bañares deserves to be given an award from his mother unit.

“Bawat buhay ang mahalaga pero ang pagpanaw niya at dapat nating ikarangal dahil isa siyang bayani,” Deveraturda said.

Bañares, 39, a native of Tabuelan town and whose own family is based in Barangay Hipodromo, Cebu City, is part of the Naval Special Operations Group (Navsog) Unit 6.

Their unit intercepted the alleged Nur Misuari-led Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) following an intelligence report of a planned siege aiming to take over and raise the MNLF flag at the Zamboanga City Hall.

Bañares was one of the six fatalities from the ranks of naval forces killed in battle.

Remains of Bañares arrived Tuesday while being honored with a hero’s welcome at the Benito Ebuen Airbase.

He is survived by his widow Saturnina and two month old baby.

His remains lie at the Naval Forces Central chapel in Lapu-Lapu City. – (FREEMAN)