TACLOBAN CITY – The municipality of Bontoc in Southern Leyte has been declared under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition.
The Municipal Task Force-ELCAC declared the entire municipality under SIPSC on Monday, May 6, through Municipal Peace and Order Council Resolution No. 1 and Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 101.
The declaration marks the readiness of the municipality to take the lead in sustaining the gains of a peaceful community.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, lauded the local government unit of Bontoc for their commitment and collective stand to maintain a safe environment for residents and prevent the resurgence and recovery efforts of the New People's Army.
He cited the collaborative efforts between the LGU and the community in achieving the SIPS Condition status.
"With our declaration of Bontoc as a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition, we have delivered a strong message that indeed, we are united in our quest to end the local communist armed conflict as well as in maintaining a peaceful and secured environment being enjoyed now by the peace-loving people of Bontoc," Vestuir said.
Mayor Noel Alinsub thanked stakeholders who helped in attaining the conditions for the declaration. "The positive impact of this success will be the progress and development of our municipality and the welfare of our constituents."