TACLOBAN CITY – Love and service to country went hand in hand as 44 couples exchanged vows in a mass wedding ceremony organized by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) on May 31, 2025.
The event, dubbed “Kasalang Pulis sa Rehiyon Otso,” was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel within the PRO-8 headquarters in Palo, Leyte.
The ceremony was officiated by Palo Archbishop John Du, who reminded the newlyweds of the sacredness of the marital bond.
“As you enter into matrimony, you are entrusted with a precious gift—to care for it faithfully. Strengthen your bond by remaining true to your vows, placing God at the center of your family, and grounding your life together in prayer,” the archbishop said during his homily.
Of the 88 individuals who tied the knot, 46 were Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs), three were non-uniformed personnel (NUP), and 39 were civilians—spouses and partners of the police officers and personnel.
The ceremony was graced by prominent figures including former Police Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil and his wife Mary Rose Marbil, Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, Tacloban Vice Mayor-elect Raymund Romualdez, and representatives of Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, among other top PRO-8 officials.
In his message, Marbil offered practical advice on marital harmony, emphasizing mutual understanding and respect as the pillars of a strong marriage.
“The husband, as the provider, must fulfill the emotional needs of his wife and ensure that she feels loved and valued,” he said.
“In the same way, the wife, as the nurturer, plays a vital role in maintaining harmony at home by giving her husband the respect he deserves. When love and respect go hand in hand, the family becomes a source of strength—not just for the couple, but for the community and the nation.”
The Kasalang Pulis sa Rehiyon Otso program was first launched in February 2023 during Marbil’s tenure as PRO-8 regional director. It has since become a bi-annual tradition that promotes not only the personal welfare of police personnel but also reinforces the Philippine National Police’s commitment to family-centered values.
Police Regional Director B/Gen Jay Cumigad expressed gratitude to Gen. Marbil for his continued support and congratulated the newlyweds.
“This ceremony is not just a celebration of love, but a reaffirmation of our values as public servants. When we strengthen our families, we strengthen our service to the Filipino people,” Cumigad said, highlighting the importance of moral and emotional well-being in law enforcement.
Also present to support the couples as godparents (ninong and ninang) were several ranking police officials, including PCol Ma. Christina Rebellion, PBGen Salvador Alacyang, PCol Dennis Jose Llavore, PCol Janet Arinabo, PCol Jennifer Sumpo, and PCol Matthe Aseo.
The event concluded with a symbolic celebration of unity and commitment, both in love and in public service.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
