[PIA] A month after surrendering to Philippine authorities, two former New People's Army militants took their vows as husband and wife in a "traditional tribal wedding ceremony" inside a military camp. Fulong Rafael Lantingan, the Indigenous People's representative in Malapatan solemnized the wedding on the morning of July 18.The newlyweds were Shirley Katot and Federico Bacali, both formerly serving in Platoon 1, Guerilla Front 71 operating in Malapatan. They began their relationship while in the movement and were even married by their leaders under "party rules." But based on Philippine law, the wedding is not binding which was one of the reasons the pair decided to renew 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 who all served as godparents to the pair.
Lt. Col. Babac said, "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."
"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."