Two municipalities in Eastern Visayas have reached a major peace milestone after being declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), signaling improved stability and growing confidence in local development efforts.
The municipalities of Sogod in Southern Leyte and Calbiga in Samar were officially recognized as SIPSC areas on April 22 and 23, respectively, following assessments that showed sustained improvements in peace and order.
In Sogod, local officials formalized the declaration through Resolution No. 282-2026, authored by Peace and Order Committee Chairperson Councilor Rozelyn Paranas and approved under the leadership of Vice Mayor Jose Ramil Golo and the Sangguniang Bayan. The measure marks the municipality’s transition into a more stable and secure environment.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Southern Leyte said the development is expected to boost investor confidence, noting that peace and security are key drivers of local economic growth. Provincial Director Danilo Laguitan emphasized that sustaining these gains will require continued collaboration between government and communities.
Laguitan added that integrating peace and development programs into local planning and budgeting remains essential, underscoring that good governance is the most effective long-term response to insurgency.
Vice Mayor Golo echoed this, saying the SIPSC declaration lays the groundwork for sustained progress and supports Sogod’s aspiration for cityhood. He noted that improved security conditions strengthen the municipality’s position in attracting investments and advancing its economic standing.
Meanwhile, in Samar, the municipality of Calbiga—once identified as an insurgency-affected area—has also achieved SIPSC status, marking a significant turnaround in its security situation.
Mayor Red Nacario attributed the achievement to sustained coordination among the local government, provincial authorities, and partner agencies. He cited the impact of infrastructure and development initiatives, particularly farm-to-market roads implemented under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which improved access in 21 upland barangays and addressed long-standing community needs.
Nacario also renewed his appeal to remaining individuals linked to insurgent groups, urging them to return to the fold of the law. He assured them of government support and protection, emphasizing that assistance is available for those who choose to surrender and reintegrate.
The 8th Infantry Division welcomed the SIPSC declarations, describing them as a significant milestone that reflects sustained collaboration among local governments, security forces, and communities in advancing lasting peace and development in the region.