There’s really nothing that can stop true love, not even a group of terrorists wreaking havoc in a once peaceful town.
Private First Class Roy Bantasan was assigned to Marawi City in Mindanao three years ago and he knew he would meet his future wife there. So, when he met Charo Jane Manabat near the military outpost, he knew she was the one.
After a year of dating exclusively, Bantasan popped the big question and asked Manabat’s hand in marriage. Everything was already set — until the Maute terrorist group attacked Marawi.
Bantasan sent Manabat and her family to an evacuation center in the nearby town of Iligan, then he went back to work with the Army.
“She asked why I don’t have time for her anymore,” Bantasan told ABS-CBN News. “When I was still courting her, I would see her everyday. I told her, Marawi was different back then, it was still peaceful.”
The moment his request for leave was granted, he went to Manabat and married her in a heartwarming ceremony in the evacuation center on June 17.
“I wanted this venue (evacuation center) so that they (evacuees) would feel that even if there are problems or a war, we will continue to fight,” Bantasan said.
Soon enough, he went back to work in Marawi City and his wife couldn’t help but be anxious.
“I’m scared and anxious because sometimes he isn’t able to call me,” Charo Jane Bantasan said. “Sometimes I can’t sleep when I’m thinking about him. He’s always on my mind.”
According to the newlyweds, they’ll start thinking about their honeymoon plans when peace returns to Marawi City.
