Former NPA couple weds

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul  24): Former NPA couple weds

MALAPATAN, Sarangani, July 24 (PIA)--- One month after surrendering to government authorities, two former NPA members took their vows on Saturday (July 18) as husband and wife in a “traditional tribal wedding ceremony” inside a military camp here.

Fulong Rafael Lantingan, the Indigenous People’s mandatory representative in Malapatan solemnized the wedding at 10 a.m at Headquarters Alpha Company, 73IB, barangay Poblacion, Malapatan, Sarangani.

The newlyweds were former NPA couple Shirley Katot and Federico Bacali, both under Platoon 1, Guerilla Front 71 operating in Malapatan.

The couple began their relationship while in the movement and was even married by their leaders under “party rules.”

But based on Philippine laws, the “wedding is not binding" which was one of the reasons the pair decided to take their vows.

The wedding was witnessed by Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, 1002nd Brigade Commander Col. Ronald Villanueva, 73rd Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac, DILG-Sarangani Provincial Director Flor Limpin and town’s Mayor Alfonso Singcoy who all served as godparents to the couple.

 “The wedding of the NPA couple in a tribal wedding ceremony only shows the government’s sincerity in helping the former rebels to return to the mainstream society,” Lt. Col. Babac said.

According to him, the government is duty-bound to provide assistance to any NPA members “once they decide to return to their families and live a normal life that is free from fear and uncertainties.”

“It is but appropriate for the government to take an extra mile in showing to the victims of NPAs’ deception that there is a government that is willing to help them,” Babac added, saying “this is aside from the livelihood assistance that they can get under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1671437728653/former-npa-couple-weds