Zamboanga Valientes top brass meets with PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and Terrafirma Team Governor Bobby Rosales.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the Zamboanga Valientes were one of three groups that expressed interest in buying the franchise of the Terrafirma Dyip.

Marcial said the Valientes have already submitted a letter of intent to join the league, though the route they have taken will likely go through the process of possibly taking over the Dyip’s lock, stock and barrel.

READ: Three companies now loom as buyers of Terrafirma PBA franchise

“I’ve talked to [Valientes owner] Junnie Navarro regarding the requirement they need to submit and he said that he will take care of it after the elections,” Marcial told reporters Wednesday during the PBA Philippine Cup doubleheader at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Valientes announced last Monday that they have entered into talks with the Dyip, whose earlier deal to sell the franchise to Starhorse bogged down due to its failure to submit certain requirements.

Navarro, his mother Cory and Trevor Crewe, a CEO of a company named Crewe Sharp, also met Marcial and Terrafirma team governor Bobby Rosales during a recent meeting at the PBA office in Libis.

READ: PBA says Terrafirma sale off after Starhorse fails to comply

Should Terrafirma and the Valientes come to terms, the deal will still need the approval of the league’s Board of Governors with at least a two-thirds vote.

Another Zamboanga-based group has also formalized its desire to the league after the company that owns Family’s Brand Sardines and Master Sardines held discussions with Marcial during last week’s out-of-town game in Zamboanga City.

Marcial, however, said that Universal Canning Inc. isn’t among the three companies that are seeking to purchase Terrafirma as it is still exploring its options that includes the possibly of entering as an expansion ballclub.