• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A day before the founding anniversary of the New People’s Army, five couples, who used to be members of the Central Negros 2, which is under the Komiteng Rehiyon- Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS), officially tied the knot on March 28 at the 94th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
They were joined by two other couples, who are 94IB soldiers.
The seven couples were married in a ceremony officiated by Pastor Sario Indico, with Col. Eufracio Joel Malig Jr., deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, Ayungon Mayor Dennis Amancio, and town police chief Major Fortunato Villafuerte, serving as principal sponsors of the newlyweds.
In a statement, Col. Malig, who congratulated the newlyweds, also lauded the efforts of Ayungon municipal government, other stakeholders, and the 94IB led by Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, in upholding the traditions of love, inspiring unity and cooperation through a special wedding ceremony, and the untiring support displayed by everyone.
“We welcome and encourage all the remaining rebels to abandon the armed struggle and accept the government’s offer through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” Malig said.
Also witnessing the mass wedding were Ayungon Councilor Shamerra Worrel, former town councilor Elsid Salimbagat, Tambo barangay chairman Ely Salimbagat, and Linao Brgy Captain Jerry Alunan, among others.
The NPA marked its 54th founding anniversary yesterday.
The 79th Infantry Battalion reported yesterday that more than 100 residents of Brgy. Bug ang in Toboso, Negros Occidental, staged an indignation rally condemning the 54 years of violent and bloody existence of the NPA.*
