Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who once held high positions have exchanged vows during a “Kasalan ng Bayan” (mass wedding) at the municipal gymnasium in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on Friday, September 12, 2025.

According to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), the groom was a former NPA member from Cabanglasan town and spent nine years in the armed struggle before he surrendered. His bride, a resident of Damulog town, spent seven years as a medic.

4ID said the bride chose to turn over a new leaf and build a peaceful life with her own family after she lost her parents and siblings in separate armed encounters.

The military added that the couple surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion on June 25, 2025 with the hope of building a better future for their two-year-old daughter.

“Their marriage represented a new chapter not only for their family but also as a living testimony to the government’s peace and reintegration efforts,” 4ID said.

The former NPA couple was among the hundreds of couples who united in marriage in a mass wedding ceremony facilitated by the local government as part of the town’s 148th Adlaw ta Impasug-ong celebration.

4ID Commander, Major General Michele Anayron, witnessed the ceremony personally and congratulated the couple for deciding to abandon the armed struggle.

"Your decision to build a future together as husband and wife outside the shadows of conflict, is a powerful symbol of hope for our nation. Your marriage is not just a personal milestone, it is a triumph of peace over violence. It shows us that healing is possible, and that even those once separated by war can come together to rebuild communities and inspire others to follow the same path,” Anayron said.

“The 4ID remains committed to supporting efforts that bring our people together and inspire others to believe in the promise of better tomorrow. To the remaining members of the NPA, may this event inspire you to lay down your arms, and live a peaceful and meaningful life," he added.