Catarman: The town of Catarman in Northern Samar was officially declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition, signifying its status as ‘insurgency-free’ after years of peace-building efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, the declaration recognizes the town’s success in achieving lasting peace and order through the efforts of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) led by Mayor Dianne Rosales. ‘This SIPS declaration is not the end but a new beginning – a pledge to preserve and give importance to the peace that we have achieved,’ Rosales said during the declaration ceremony.

Lt. Col. Jayson Que, commander of the Philippine Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion, stated that the declaration is the result of strong collaboration among the local government, security forces, and residents, adding that the challenge now is to sustain the peace that has been achieved.

The ceremony’s highlight was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Catarman local government, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police, symbolizing their shared commitment to maintaining peace and security. A symbolic release of white doves and the signing of the wall of commitment capped the event, reflecting the unity of local officials, barangay leaders, and citizens in preserving stability and promoting development in the municipality.

Catarman, the provincial capital of Northern Samar, is the most populous town in the province with nearly 98,000 residents.