Robin Padilla, Mariel Rodriguez celebrate ‘priceless’ V-Day in Mamasapano

MANILA, Philippines—Celebrity couple Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez celebrated the day of hearts by visiting the strife-torn town of Mamasapano in Maguindanao province.

In a post on her Instagram account, Mariel shared how they decided to spend their Valentine’s Day with the town’s residents three weeks after the bloody encounter between government forces and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which killed 44 police commandos, 18 MILF troops and five civilians.

Mariel recounted that Robin asked her on Feb. 13 if she wanted to celebrate a “different” Valentine’s day.

“Yesterday Robin asked me “game ka ba sa kakaibang valentines?” without asking what it was i immediately said “game!” later on i found out i was going to Mamasapano to visit the civilian casualties of the war honestly i was a bit scared that it might not be safe then i thought Robin would never put my life in danger so today we took an early flight to General Santos City and headed to Mamasapano,” the television host said.

Mariel described the experience visiting Mamasapano as “priceless.”

“I saw a lot of men holding long guns (terrified me to tell you the truth), i was a few meters away from the “battlefield” and most of all i saw the smiles on the faces of the civilians who felt special that we visited them and chose to spend valentines day with them… that was priceless. i didnt get flowers for valentines but instead i got this experience for the soul.#RealHeartsDay,” she added.

Meanwhile, Robin said that Valentine’s Day is meant to be celebrated for humanity.

“Today is Love day, it does not mean only for couples, its for the whole of Humanity!!!! May the Big Finger of Peace sign be with you all,” the actor said.

The couple also expressed their support for calling lasting peace in Mindanao.

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