by Mickey Kavera – EM TV News, Port Moresby
After 19 years, the remains of three Papua New Guinea Defence Force Soldiers killed in North Bougainville have finally arrived today.
Late Cpl Horace Marco Maino, Late Pte jimmy Jula and Late Pte Raymond Waia were held hostage on 22nd October 1996 and later listed as missing in action.
They were on peace negotiating mission when they met their fate at the hands of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army.
In 2010, contact was re-established with ex-combatants to identify were the remains of the three soldiers were.
With the help of the Australian Defence Force Forensics team, the remains were successfully identified, culminating to the recovery and the repatriation.
ABG President, Dr. John Momis, escorted the remains from Bougainville to officially hand over the remains to the Papua New Guinea Government.
He commended the soldiers for their bravery in bringing lasting peace to Bougainville.
Deputy Prime Minister, Leo Dion, on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Government thanked the Autonomous Bougainville Government for allowing the repatriation to happen.
He was also full of praise for their service of these fallen heroes.
A full military funeral will be accorded to the soldiers tomorrow at the Taurama Military Barracks.
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