TACLOBAN CITY — Two municipalities previously affected by communist insurgency have been declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), joining more than a hundred local government units in Eastern Visayas that are now considered free from active insurgency threats.
The municipalities of General MacArthur in Eastern Samar and Kananga in Leyte were formally recognized by government authorities after meeting security and development benchmarks under the government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict.
The declaration marks a significant milestone for both towns, which for years grappled with the presence and influence of communist rebels, particularly in remote and geographically isolated villages.
Military officials said the SIPSC status signifies that peace and order conditions have improved substantially, allowing communities to focus on economic growth, public service delivery, and long-term development.
The recognition comes as Eastern Visayas continues to record major gains in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. Once considered a stronghold of communist insurgents, the region now has 114 municipalities, cities, and provinces declared under SIPSC following years of military operations, governance reforms, infrastructure development, and community-based interventions.
Officials attributed the achievement in General MacArthur and Kananga to the combined efforts of local governments, security forces, national government agencies, and residents.
General MacArthur Mayor Joel Baldo said the declaration reflects the unity and cooperation demonstrated by the community and various government stakeholders.
“Let us strengthen the peace we have achieved by deepening our unity and continuing our support for programs that promote security and development. This declaration became possible because of our collective efforts and the cooperation among government agencies, barangay officials, municipal officials, and the people of General MacArthur,” Baldo said.
Kananga Mayor Manuel Vicente Torres emphasized that the declaration should serve as a foundation for further development rather than a signal to become complacent.
“We shall strengthen programs that address the root causes of conflict, improve the delivery of basic services, create opportunities for livelihood and employment, and ensure that no sector of society is left behind,” Torres said.
He added that the municipal government would continue working closely with security forces and development partners to preserve peace, protect communities, and uphold the rule of law.
The 8th Infantry Division, which oversees military operations in Eastern Visayas, stressed that maintaining peace remains a shared responsibility among government agencies and local residents.
“It is not only the soldiers, municipal officials, and barangay leaders who are responsible for maintaining a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition. We appeal to all citizens to help preserve these gains through cooperation and timely feedback,” the division said in a statement.
Military officials noted that community participation remains critical in preventing the resurgence of insurgent activities, particularly through the prompt reporting of suspicious movements and emerging security concerns.
The division added that the SIPSC declaration is not the culmination of peace-building efforts but the beginning of a long-term commitment to sustain security gains and ensure continued development in former conflict-affected areas.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
