CATBALOGAN, Philippines – The municipality of Pinabacdao was officially declared to have achieved a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) during a ceremony held at the Barangay Obayan Covered Court in Pinabacdao, Samar, on April 8, 2025.
The declaration was led by Hon. Teodorico T. Mabag, Chairperson of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), alongside local government officials, law enforcement agencies, key stakeholders, and the people of Pinabacdao.
Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry “Peerless” Brigade, commended the success of the municipality’s internal peace and security efforts, attributing it to the proactive cooperation of the MTF-ELCAC, spearheaded by Mayor Mabag. This collaboration effectively addressed the root causes of insurgency within the municipality.
“The declaration of Pinabacdao as an insurgency-free area is a monumental achievement for the municipality, once a hotspot of violence in the province of Samar. This milestone not only signifies internal peace and security but also paves the way for increased investment, new business ventures, and a boost in local tourism,” Brig. Gen. Vestuir emphasized.
Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, praised the collective efforts of local government entities and communities in reaching this milestone. He stressed that the declaration highlights the shared responsibility in combating insurgency, underscoring that it is not solely a military challenge.
“The successful declaration of SIPSC is proof of the unwavering collaboration between local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the people. Through these joint efforts, Pinabacdao has met all criteria to achieve SIPSC status. Let’s continue supporting the programs of our local government to ensure lasting peace and security,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.
Pinabacdao is the 53rd local government unit to be declared insurgency-free within the area of operation of the 802nd Infantry Brigade. | via Samar Chronicle
