The Cebuano soldier who was killed at the onset of the conflict in Zamboanga City was given full military honors at his funeral yesterday at the Mactan Island Memorial Garden in Lapu-Lapu City.
Aside from a gun salute from a Philippine Navy honor platoon, the late PO3 Jose Audrey Bañares was given a “Gold Cross Medal,” the fourth highest award a soldier can get for gallantry in action. This was Bañares’ fourth such award in his 18 years as a soldier.
A Navy Seal badge was pinned to the Philippine Flag that was draped over his casket.
Commodore Reynaldo Yoma, commander of the Naval Forces Central, said it was only proper to give the award to recognize the heroism of Bañares, who was “a big loss” to the Naval Special Operations Group (Navsog).
“He was a good and efficient man in Navsog. PO3 Bañares received several awards before he died because of his great performance,” Yoma added.
Families, relatives, friends, co-workers and his neighbors from Tabuelan town, northern Cebu walked from the NavForCen Chapel to the cemetery after the last public viewing of the local hero’s remains.
His brother, Chief Petty Officer Tobias Bañares, thanked everyone for giving them the strength to face their loss.
Bañares’ widow, Saturnina, held their three-month-old son and a white rose as she took a last glimpse of her husband, crying and saying, “I love you, Papa.”
Commander Yoma said that Bañares’ son will receive a full scholarship.
Nieces and nephews were emotional as they chanted “Kuya” to send off the man they considered a “brother, mentor, adviser, and a good uncle.”
most emotional
The most emotional among them was 22-year-old Arnel Bañares.
“He was always concerned with everyone. He kept telling us to participate during family bonding,” he said, adding that some of his cousins called Bañares “Papa.”
“I hope and pray that the war will stop now. There are many people who died and suffered, especially the children,” he added.
PO3 Bañares was the youngest of nine siblings. His eldest brother is retired police Chief Inspector Arcellano Bañares.
Flowers were offered on his grave and the family released two doves during the burial rites.