(The Provincial Government of Northern Samar Facebook)
TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Lapinig has been declared under the Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), becoming the 17th town in Northern Samar to achieve the status following years of anti-insurgency and peace-building efforts.
The declaration made on Wednesday, July 29, was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding and a pledge of commitment among national government agencies, the local government, security forces, and other stakeholders to sustain peace, strengthen public safety, and accelerate development initiatives in the municipality.
Major Gen. Peter Burgonio, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the milestone reflects the combined efforts of the military, police, local government units, and residents in addressing insurgency and restoring peace in the area.
He said the declaration was made possible through years of sacrifices by government forces and the strong support of local communities, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be achieved through a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach.
Northern Samar Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan urged local officials and residents to sustain the municipality’s peaceful condition, stressing that continued cooperation is necessary to prevent the resurgence of insurgency. He also assured the provincial government’s continued support for development programs, noting that peace and progress go hand in hand.
Lapinig is the third municipality in Northern Samar’s second congressional district to be declared under SIPSC, following Laoang and San Roque.
With its inclusion, 17 of the province’s 24 municipalities have now attained the peace and security status.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
