Digos City, Davao del Sur – In a poignant testament to peace, reconciliation, and hope, four former rebels (FRs) turned a new chapter in their lives as they tied the knot in a mass wedding ceremony dubbed “Kasalan ng Friend Rescued (FR),” held on May 24, 2025, at the breathtaking Mt. Apo Agri-Ecotourism National Park in Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos City.
The event marked a symbolic and heartfelt highlight of the 3rd Anniversary of Davao del Sur’s declaration as Insurgency-Free, and was spearheaded by the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office (DSPPO), under the leadership of Provincial Director PCOL Leo T. Ajero.
The ceremony, officiated by Provincial Chaplain Pastor Erick Arsaga, followed traditional Filipino wedding customs—complete with a solemn processional, heartfelt exchange of vows and rings, and symbolic rites like candle lighting, the veil, and cord. Love and joy filled the air as the couples celebrated not only their union in marriage, but also their renewed lives as reintegrated members of society.
“This is more than a wedding—it’s a celebration of hope and transformation,” said Atty. Herbert Gonzales, the Provincial Administrator, during his message of support. He lauded the courage and determination of the FR couples in embracing peace and reintegration, commending their decision to build a life rooted in unity and love.
Adding to the festive mood were the slicing of a wedding cake, a wine parade, and the giving of gifts and souvenirs to the newlyweds—small tokens of goodwill for a new beginning.
The event also drew support from various sectors, including Ms. Mika-Chan Magtulis of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao del Sur, Ms. Geraldine Lano of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), CPT Walter Jhun Orille of the Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, and other provincial and local government officials. Families and friends of the couples also gathered, beaming with pride and emotion as they witnessed this turning point in their loved ones’ lives.
The wedding was part of the broader initiatives of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) and aligned with the Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) program. These programs aim to foster community support and sustainable peace by aiding the reintegration of former rebels through livelihood assistance, psychosocial support, and community-based programs.
By focusing on humanizing peacebuilding efforts and celebrating milestones like weddings and community reintegration, the province continues to underscore that healing and transformation are possible through unity and inclusive governance.
The celebration concluded peacefully by 1:00 PM, leaving behind heartfelt memories and a renewed sense of hope. As Davao del Sur continues its journey toward lasting peace, events like this serve as a beacon—proving that love and reconciliation can indeed conquer even the most troubled pasts.