CATBALOGAN CITY — A total of 21 local government units in Eastern Visayas have been declared to have achieved Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, marking significant progress in the region’s anti-insurgency efforts.
Capt. Jefferson Mariano, chief of the 8ID Public Affairs Office, recently shared this development with The Samar Chronicle.
According to Capt. Mariano, the municipalities that have been granted SIPS status are Pagsanghan, Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Sta. Margarita, and Sto. Niño in the province of Samar. In Northern Samar, the municipalities of Allen, San Jose, Rosario, Capul, and Biri received the status, while Bontoc in Southern Leyte, Palompon, Isabel, Matag-ob, Merida, and Hilongos in Leyte, and Giporlos, Mercedes, San Julian, and Taft in Eastern Samar were also recognized.
These municipalities achieved SIPS status due to the successful implementation of Local Peace Engagement (LPE) at the barangay level and effective multi-sectoral commitment to peace and security.
At the declaration ceremony in Taft, Eastern Samar, on June 19, 2024, Brigadier General Lenart Lelina, Commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, stated that a municipality is awarded SIPS status only when no constituents are members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Municipalities and provinces free from insurgency are declared to have stable internal peace and security. Hopefully, the entire province of Eastern Samar will achieve this status when all its municipalities are declared insurgency-free,” said Brig. Gen. Lelina.
In a separate SIPS declaration in Leyte province, Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that the SIPS status signifies a victory over the deceptive ideas of the NPA.
“The SIPS declaration is a testament to the collective efforts and commitment to peace, unity, and progress of all stakeholders. It highlights the importance of embracing peace and working together to achieve reconciliation and sustained development,” Brig. Gen. Vestuir said.
Taft Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) Chair, Mayor Gina Ty, expressed her gratitude to law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and the people of Taft for their support and cooperation in achieving a peaceful community.
“We have come together, united by a common goal, and demonstrated that when we work together in harmony, we can overcome any challenge and create a safer and more prosperous future for our community,” Mayor Ty emphasized.
Alongside the SIPS declaration, there was a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MTF-ELCAC and other peace partners. This MOU aims to strengthen the support of LGUs in maintaining peace and order, enhancing law enforcement operations, and preventing the resurgence of rebels.
Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander of the 8ID, reiterated the importance of community support in maintaining a stable peace and security environment in Eastern Visayas.
“The 8ID aims to completely eradicate the decades-long insurgency problem in the region. Therefore, I urge the remaining NPA members to surrender to the government and take advantage of its programs to start a new life. The government is very willing to help you all,” emphasized Maj. Gen. Ligayo. (With reports from DPAO/8ID)
