TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar now has 19 of its 24 municipalities under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) following the declaration of Gamay on Sept. 18, a day after Palapag town attained the same status.
The consecutive declarations bring the province closer to its goal of sustaining peace in all of its municipalities after years of armed conflict involving communist insurgents.
The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said the declarations reflect sustained cooperation among local governments, national government agencies, security forces and communities in addressing security concerns and creating conditions for development.
8ID commander Maj. Gen. Peter Burgonio said the SIPSC declarations were the result of years of coordinated efforts by the military, Philippine National Police, local governments and residents.
He said the military’s role does not end with the declarations, adding that the 8ID will continue supporting local governments in sustaining peace gains, assisting former rebels in their reintegration into communities and helping ensure that development reaches areas previously affected by armed conflict.
Burgonio also called on remaining members of communist armed groups to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law, saying government reintegration programs are available to those who choose to surrender and rebuild their lives with their families.
Gamay Mayor Timoteo Capoquian Jr. said the SIPSC declaration should be measured by its impact on ordinary residents.
“Peace is not just a word. Peace is not just a government program. Peace is not just the absence of armed encounters. Peace is being able to live without fear,” he said.
Capoquian, who survived an ambush by members of the New People’s Army in 2008, said the declaration marks the beginning of a new phase for Gamay.
He said the municipality can now focus more strongly on development programs, basic services, livelihood opportunities, education, infrastructure and youth initiatives.
“This declaration is not the end. It is a beginning,” he said.
Palapag Mayor Florence Batula, whose municipality was declared under SIPSC on Sept. 17, described the milestone as a turning point after nearly four decades of armed conflict.
“For almost four decades, peace in Palapag was a promise repeatedly pursued, but never fully realized. Today, we finally have an answer,” Batula said.
She credited the declaration to the combined efforts of the military, police, local and national government agencies, barangay officials, residents and former rebels who chose to return to the folds of the law.
Batula said Palapag is already seeing signs of renewed economic activity, including increased tourism, business activity and investments.
She stressed, however, that the SIPSC declaration should not be regarded as the end of the peace process.
“This declaration is not the ending of a chapter. It is the beginning of a more difficult period of sustainment. Our responsibility now shifts from achieving peace to protecting peace,” Batula said.
She urged barangay officials, youth leaders and community organizations to remain vigilant, maintain dialogue and address grievances before they escalate, while protecting young people from exploitation.
The 19 municipalities now under SIPSC include all 14 towns in Northern Samar’s first congressional district—Allen, Biri, Bobon, Capul, Catarman, Lavezares, Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Rosario, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Jose, San Vicente and Victoria.
The second district municipalities under SIPSC are Laoang, Lapinig, San Roque, Palapag and Gamay.
The 8ID said sustaining the peace gains will require continued cooperation among security forces, local governments, national agencies and communities.
It said maintaining peace and security would provide a stronger foundation for governance, investment and development in communities previously affected by armed conflict.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
