TACLOBAN CITY — Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar, has been declared free from the presence and influence of the New People’s Army (NPA), marking a major shift in the city’s security situation toward regular law enforcement and long-term peace and development.
The declaration of a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) was made during a ceremony at the City Plaza on Oct. 7, attended by Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy, security officials and representatives of national government agencies.
Lt. Col. Marx Luther Rosario, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion, said the SIPSC declaration means Catbalogan is relatively peaceful, free from insurgency activity and now requires security operations primarily for law enforcement.
Rosario said the declaration represents a transition in the government’s security approach—from addressing the insurgency threat to strengthening regular law enforcement and other peace and development initiatives.
He said the milestone was achieved through the cooperation of the city government, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Samar Police Provincial Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and other stakeholders.
Monitoring conducted by security forces showed no recovery, influence or mobility of NPA members in areas covered by the declaration, Rosario said.
He added that the improved security environment would help create conditions for long-term development and allow government institutions to focus more on delivering basic services and addressing the needs of communities.
Mayor Uy described the declaration as the fulfillment of a long-awaited goal for Catbalogan and Samar.
He said the city government would continue working with security forces, national government agencies and barangay officials to preserve the gains in peace and security.
“Peace is a shared responsibility,” Uy said, stressing the need for continued cooperation between government institutions and communities.
Governor Tan likewise emphasized that maintaining peace and order requires the active participation of residents and local institutions.
She said soldiers and police officers play an important role in securing communities, but sustaining peace requires the continued cooperation of the people after security forces have addressed immediate security threats.
Tan also underscored the importance of a whole-of-nation approach in sustaining peace, particularly by addressing social and other issues that could contribute to conflict.
She cited the Department of Education’s role in promoting peace by educating young people and discouraging them from becoming involved in violence and armed conflict.
The ceremony also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Pledge of Commitment, signifying the commitment of local government, security forces and other stakeholders to sustain peace and development in the city.
The release of doves, led by Tan and Uy together with security and local officials, served as a symbol of peace and the city’s transition to a more stable security environment.
Also present were Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Peter Burgonio, DILG Samar Provincial Director Judy Batulan and other local and national government officials.
With Catbalogan’s declaration, 19 of Samar’s 26 local government units have now been placed under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition, according to the military.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
