MANILA – Two police officers recently tied the knot, starting a new chapter in what many have dubbed as a beautiful love story.

Senior Inspector Sofia Loren Deliu married Inspector Abdul-Bassar Abdurajak last March in Zamboanga City, with no less than President Rodrigo Duterte as one of their principal sponsors.

The country’s chief executive told the couple: “Show the same kind of passion and determination at work as a peace officer in keeping your relationship stronger.”

So where did it all begin?

In a recent column for The Philippine Star, veteran entertainment editor Ricky Lo revealed that it was not love at first sight for Deliu and Abdurajak. Rather, it was a relationship rooted in friendship.

Citing PNP Journal writer Eton Concepcion, Lo wrote: “Sofia and Abdul were classmates at the PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy) and best friends for two years before they became sweethearts.”

“After eight years, they decided to get married.”

Asked what drew him to Abdurajak, Deliu was quoted as saying: “He is a very loving man toward his family. He is very respectful to everyone, and he loves my family as much as I do.”