Silago: The local government of Silago, Southern Leyte is expecting to attract more investors following the formal declaration of a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Lemuel Honor said the peace milestone paves the way for economic growth and development, as the town is now more conducive for investment, tourism, and livelihood activities. “We were the last municipality in Southern Leyte to be affected by the (communist) New People’s Army (NPA). We are the largest town in the province by land area, and it is now evident that there is no NPA presence even in our upland areas,” Honor said in a statement on Thursday.

The declaration was officially announced during a ceremony at the Silago Municipal Auditorium on Wednesday, signifying the town’s shift to internal peace and stability. The event also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the local government, security forces, and other stakeholders.

The declaration signifies the absence of NPA activities in the municipality and recognizes the local authorities’ capacity to sustain law and order and support ongoing development initiatives. Col. Rico Amaro, acting commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the achievement, describing it as a result of strong collaboration among local and national government agencies and the community.

“This will serve as a testament to our town being peaceful and conducive to investment, attracting businesses, tourists, students, and other investors,” Amaro said. He added that the improved security environment allows the government to deliver public services to remote areas without fear of insurgent intimidation, further enhancing the residents’ quality of life.

“This declaration is a significant step toward declaring Southern Leyte province as free from insurgency and inhospitable to terrorists,” he said. Among the 22 local government units in Southern Leyte, the towns of Sogod and Hinunangan are still in the process of attaining their SIPSC declarations.