Navforcen Describes Bañares a ‘Brave Soldier’

Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) Commodore Reynaldo Yoma has described Petty Officer 3 Jose Audrey Bañares a brave soldier, who had been into a number of encounters in the past.

“Matapang yan. Maraming beses na rin niyang pinatunayan yan,” Yoma said. The fallen soldier PO3 Bañares died during a clash with more than 100 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City last Monday. Bañares, a native of Tabuelan, Cebu, who lived with his wife and only child in Cebu City, arrived in Cebu in a coffin last Tuesday. He was 39.

Meanwhile, Yoma said Bañares’ 2-month old baby will receive a scholarship from NAVFORCEN and an additional cash assistance to be given to his widow, Nene.

Government troops clashed with MNLF elements last Monday after the rebels allegedly attempted to place their flag at the Zamboanga City Hall. Last Month, MNLF has declared independence, following claims that the rebel group has been disregarded by the government in the peace process.