MOISES PADILLA – She wants to be like her dad.

The 14-year-old daughter of Negrense Army soldier Sgt. Maximo Olivarez, who died with four others, while helping to evacuate residents of New Bataan town in Compostela Valley, at the height of super typhoon “Pablo” last week, wants to follow the footsteps of her father.

Shyra Mae Olivarez, 14, yesterday said she is willing to join the military organization, by entering the Philippine Military Academy.

Her mother, Perleme, who is a teacher at the Mamballo Elementary School in Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, however, said she is opposed to the plans of her teenaged daughter, to join the military organization.

Olivares also has a brother in the Philippine Army.

Until now, Perleme said, their youngest daughter, 2-year-old Jade Marie, is still waiting for the call of her dad, because her husband used to do that twice a day.

Olivarez is scheduled to be buried on Dec. 26 at the Moises Padilla public cemetery, with full military honors.

"The AFP salutes our soldiers who died while performing their duty as typhoon ‘Pablo' hit Mindanao," AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., said.

San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada, through former Board Member Enrique Lacson, yesterday extended financial assistance and foodstuff to the family of Olivarez, in recognition of the heroism he displayed in Compostela Valley, which he also did to families of other slain soldiers.

Eight other colleagues of Olivarez, who are members of the 66 th Infantry Battalion, are still missing.

"Our prayers and sympathy goes to all of the families of the victims and our highest admiration to all rescue workers, volunteers, soldiers, and civilians alike in their dedication and commitment in helping our people," Burgos said.

Army spokesman Maj. Harry Cabunoc also said Olivarez is entitled to a Bronze Cross Medal, in recognition of his heroism.

Cabunoc said the children of Olivarez are also entitled to scholarship grants, and housing assistance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, aside from financial assistance from Malacañang and benefits from the military organization.*GPB

back to top