CATARMAN, Northern Samar — A new batch of former New People’s Army (NPA) members in Palapag, Northern Samar, received government assistance as the municipality was formally declared to have achieved a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition.
The former rebels were welcomed back into mainstream society during a ceremony on Sept. 17 that marked what authorities described as the end of active armed conflict in the municipality.
The returnees received financial and other forms of assistance, including family food packs, livelihood support and social services, as part of the government’s reintegration programs.
The SIPS declaration was made by Lt. Col. Francis Rosales, commander of the Philippine Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion, who certified that Palapag is no longer facing active insurgency or major armed threats.
Palapag became the fourth municipality in Northern Samar’s second congressional district and the 18th in the province to attain SIPS status, following Laoang, San Roque and Lapinig.
Mayor Florence Fawa Batula attributed the development to sustained engagement with families and communities, saying dialogue, trust-building and a continued government presence helped encourage former rebels to surrender their firearms and return to civilian life.
Batula, who chairs the local National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said the municipality pursued localized peace efforts by directly engaging communities and addressing their concerns.
Northern Samar Gov. Harris Ongchuan said maintaining peace requires more than ending armed conflict, stressing the need for continued delivery of government services and economic opportunities.
He said lasting peace should be accompanied by access to healthcare, education, infrastructure, livelihood and other essential services.
Ongchuan also said the SIPS declaration could help change the narrative about Northern Samar by highlighting the province’s natural attractions, history, livelihoods, investment opportunities and development prospects.
The transition to a stable peace and security condition was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding among the Palapag local government, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The ceremony was attended by 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Peter Burgonio, 803rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Carmelito Pangatungan, PCol. George Buyacao Jr., Lt. Col. Lyndon Espe, DILG Northern Samar provincial director Geraldine Maquelabit, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity program manager Imelda Bonifacio, Palapag Vice Mayor Melvic Chy and Rosales.
Also present were neighboring second-district mayors Timoteo Capoquian Jr. of Gamay, Charlene Ongchuan of Laoang and Solomon Vicencio of Catubig.
With the SIPS declaration, local authorities said the focus will shift toward sustaining peace, strengthening community participation, delivering government services and supporting the reintegration of former rebels into their communities.
(EUGENE M. ENANO)
