8 former NPA rebels wed in Zambo Norte

PIÑAN, Zamboanga del Norte, Feb. 24 (PIA) - Some Eight (8) Former NPA Rebels (FRs) who surrendered to 97th Infantry "Kalasaglahi" Battalion (97th IB) officially tied the knot and exchanged their vows in a civil wedding ceremony held at Municipal Capitol of Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte last 18 February 2021.

The newlyweds were former members of the dismantled Communist-New People's Army- Terrorist Cells "HQ-KALAW" Regional Operations Command and Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) both of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Last August 2020 the 97th Infantry Battalion was able to dismantle HQ KALAW the Regional Operations Command unit of the WMRPC.

The union of the former NPA rebels couples was sponsored by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Leon B. Postigo led by Hon. Aidaroz M. Hambali also presided over the wedding ceremony while the food and drinks for the reception were sponsored by LGU Sindangan led by Hon. Rosendo Labadlabad.

Wedding gifts were given to the couples by the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte led by Gov. Roberto Y. Uy.

On his message in local dialect alias Larry said that, "Dako ko og pasalamat sa 97th IB ug sa nag ka lain-lain na ahensya sa gobyerno nga wala mi nila gibayaan ug gipasagdaan sugod nga nag surrender mi sa 97th IB hangtod karon gitabangan gihapon mi nila sa among pag pakasal. Karon malipayon mi nga naa na mi matawag na kaugalingong pamilya".

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Manaros M Boransing II the 97th IB Commanding Officer thanked the sponsors and stakeholders of this unit for their generosity that made the event possible.

"We are very thankful to our various stakeholders for their sincerity in helping our FRs not only by providing benefits and assistance from our government like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) but for showing them that they are now part and well accepted by the society." Lt. Col. Boransing said.

The wedding was also attended by FR's family and relatives, military and civilian stakeholders. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from 97th IB, PA)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)