One September day, in a solemn altar of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church in the island province of Siquijor, stood six couples embarking on a new chapter of their lives, strengthening their vows in a Holy Matrimony officiated by Rev. Fr. Police Col. Joselito Borja, the regional pastoral officer of Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.
Dubbed “Kasalan sa Kampo 2024,” the event was not only a celebration of love for the couples belonging to the Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO) family, but also a testament to the power of community, particularly within the local police force.
The couples who were wed were, namely: Police Capt. Angelo Pancratius Cabrera and Girlette Amodia-Cabrera; Kent Gonzaga and PEMS Roena Paghasian; Police Master Sgt. Romie Lito Dhaylungsod and Concisa Duhaylungsod; Police Senior Sgt. Joel Paalisbo and Police Senior Sgt. Gina Mae Paalisbo; Police Senior Sgt. Leah Seraña and Marlon Jumapit; and Police Senior Sgt. Renanto Llado and Police Senior Sgt. Vanessa.
The couples were the beneficiaries of the first wedding ceremony designed and organized for them by the SPPO under the leadership of Police Col. Emelie D. Santos, who strongly believes on the importance of family and community bonds.
The comprehensive wedding package included the essential components – prenuptial photo shoots, church venue, wedding reception, decorations, a wedding coordinator, hosts, principal sponsors, catering, wedding invitations, giveaways, programs, musical performances, and even a night’s accommodation at a local resort, all free of charge.
These were aimed to create a memorable experience that would honor each couple’s unique love story and showcase the community’s participation, the SPPO said.
“This initiative represents a first for the province, with the primary goal of fostering unity and commitment. It underscores the significance of strong family connections and community support,” said Santos, expressing her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the couples.
The event, according to the SPPO, marked a momentous occasion for the province and was celebrated as one of its best practices that showcased the strong collaboration of the police force with the local government unit of Siquijor, the SPPO Advisory Group, religious sector, and other stakeholders.
The day was filled with excitement and reflections, with one groom, Police Capt. Pancratius Cabrera, expressing his gratitude on behalf of all six couples.
“Marriage is not just a human contract or endeavor; it is a covenant between a man and a woman with God. This covenant is a solemn agreement made openly in the presence of God, establishing a relationship grounded in commitment, faithfulness, and mutual obligation,” shared Cabrera in his message, quoting the homily he heard from Bishop Raul Dael of the Diocese of Tandag.
“Mapasalamaton kami—unom ka couple, unom ka love story, unom ka kinabuhi ang nausab karong adlawa sa isa ka pinakaimportanteng adlaw sa among kinabuhi karon. Mapasalamaton kami sa tanan nga naa diri ilabi na sa mga kamot nga gigamit nga instruments para makuha namo ang sacrament of marriage,” he said.
(We are thankful for this moment—six couples, six love stories, all transformed today in one of the most important days of our lives. We are grateful to everyone here, especially to those whose hands were made instruments for us to receive the sacrament of marriage.)
Cabrera said the “Kasalan sa Kampo” was an answered prayer for him as he recounted the days when he intently prayed to God for the day to come when they would receive the Sacrament of marriage.
He said that as police officers, they often find themselves in roles where they serve the community more and could not find the time to work on making their dreams and plans for their family a reality.
For Cabrera, receiving the Holy Matrimony is a realization of their prayers seeking the right time to marry.
He said that when he heard about the community wedding, he felt it was a sign that his prayers were answered.
“Ako wala gyud koy pagduha duha kay sa akong hunahuna nga nag COP ko, wala gyud koy panahon nga makapakasal didto sa Bohol. Atong June ra ko naassign sa Siquijor siguro usa pud ni sa tubag nga akong gipangayo nga makasal mi. Guided ko sa Holy Spirit kay ako gyud ni giapangayo, giampo gyud ni namong duha. Kami sa PNP kasagaran once ma officer, plano nalang kutob, paghatag ug realization, maglisod na,” he said.
(I really didn’t think twice when I heard of this opportunity because in my mind, when I was still a chief of police, I didn’t have time to get married in Bohol. I was assigned in Siquijor only in June, so I thought maybe this is also one of the answers. I was guided by the Holy Spirit because I really asked for it. We both prayed to receive the Sacrament of marriage because once we become an officer, we can only plan. To realize those plans is difficult.)
Cabrera’s sentiment was echoed by the other couples, who also felt blessed to share their special day with each other in what they called as a once-in-a-lifetime event.
“Forever gyud namo ni dad-on sa among kinabuhi nga nakuha gyud namo ang sacrament of marriage. Salamat nga sa among lifetime kini nahitabo,” he added.
(We will forever carry this sacrament of marriage in our lives. I am grateful that this happened in our lifetime).
The event was more than just a wedding; it was a profound reminder of God’s love that binds them amidst differences and difficulties. (RAC/PIA Siquijor with SPPO PR)
