FORTY-FOUR couples exchanged “I Dos” during the mass wedding ceremony initiated by Police Regional Office 8 (Eastern Visayas) at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel inside the police camp in Palo, Leyte on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
“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,” said regional director Brigadier General Jay Cumigad during the event.
“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 as a whole,” added police chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who served as one of the principal sponsors.
The “Kasalang Pulis sa Rehiyon Otso” is a bi-annual initiative launched by Marbil when he was assigned as PRO 8 director in February 2023.
The 44 couples include police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs), non-uniformed personnel (NUP), and civilians, showing PRO 8’s commitment to honoring family life both within and beyond the Philippine National Police (PNP) organization, according to the police regional command.
Palo Archbishop John Du, who officiated the mass wedding, reminded the new couples that marriage “is a lifelong commitment.”
“Strengthen your bond by remaining true to your vows, placing God at the center of your family, and grounding your life together in prayer,” Du said in his homily.
The other principal sponsors were Mary Rose Marbil, wife of the PNP chief and national adviser of PNP Officers’ Ladies Club Foundation, Inc; Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla; Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, represented by Engr. Edwin Labanta; Tacloban Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez; businesswoman Edna Masauding; Colonel Ma Cristina Rebellon, chief, Regional Medical and Dental Unit (RMDU); Brigadier General Salvador Alacyang, Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA); Colonel Janet Arinabo, chief, Regional Comptrollership Division (RCD); Colonel Dennis Jose Llavore, Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO); Colonel Jennifer Sumpo, chief, Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD); and Colonel Matthe Aseo, Chief of Regional Staff (CRS).
Following the ceremony, the newlywed couples were treated to a reception at the PRO 8 Multipurpose Hall. (Ronald O. Reyes/SunStar Philippines)
