Army marries seven couples, including ex-rebels, in mass wedding

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Seven couples, including five former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel couples, got married in a mass wedding initiated by the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) at their headquarters in Barangay Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental last Tuesday.

According to the Army, five couples were former members of Central Negros 2, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS), while two other couples were enlisted Army personnel.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Pastor Sario Indico, in the presence of Colonel Eufracio Joel Malig Jr., deputy commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), Mayor Dennis Amancio, and Police Major Fortunate Villafuerte, Ayungon town police chief, who served as principal sponsors of the seven newlyweds.

In his message, Malig congratulated the newlyweds, and also lauded the efforts of the local government, stakeholders, and the 94th IB troopers in central Negros led by Lieutenant Colonel Van Donald Almonte, in upholding the traditions of love, inspiring unity and cooperation through a special wedding ceremony, and for the untiring support displayed by everyone.

“Let’s work together with unity in promoting our vision and mission for peace and development here in central Negros and the entire Negros island,” Malig said.