Four former prisoners at a jail facility have married their partners in an unusual ceremony held at a waterfall within the prison grounds.

The weddings took place on Tuesday at Aruyan Falls, located inside the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro province.

The waterfall is known for its distinctive terraced formation.

Sablayan Mayor Walter “Bong” Marquez officiated the ceremonies for the four couples in what was described as a simple but meaningful event.

The former inmates had been unable to marry during their lengthy imprisonment.

However, they were given new hope through a local government program offering free weddings.

“Marriage is not only a symbol of love but also a step towards a new life,” Mayor Marquez said. “For a former prisoner, it is an invitation to straighten their path and build a more meaningful future.”

SPPF Superintendent Abel DR Ciruela served as principal sponsor at the ceremony, with CSO3 Lorelie Silva acting as principal female sponsor.

Photos: courtesy of LGU Sablayan