TACLOBAN CITY – Biliran was declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPS) on Wednesday, September 11.
The declaration cemented the province's freedom from the influence of the New People’s Army.
ESPINA (FB)
Gov. Gerard Espina attributed the development to the collective effort of various sectors.
"This declaration reflects our vision of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Biliran. The collaboration between the military, police, local government, and community members has been crucial in attaining this goal," he said.
Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., Executive Director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), emphasized the importance of unity in achieving the significant milestone.
“Ang tagumpay natin ay isang patunay ng walang sawang pagsisikap at dedikasyon para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng Biliran. Ang deklarasyon ng Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) ay hindi lamang isang simbolo ng kapayapaan, kundi isang patunay ng masigasig at nagkakaisang pagsusumikap ng ating mga kasundaluhan, mga ahensya ng gobyerno, at mga pribadong sektor at civil society organizations (CSOs),” Torres said.
(This achievement is proof of the dedication to peace and progress of Biliran. The declaration of SIPS is a collective effort between the military, government agencies, private sector, and civil society organizations)
Lt. Col. Charlie Saclot of the 93rd Infantry Battalion said the province has come a long way from being a gateway of New People’s Army to Leyte and Samar provinces.
"Biliran once served as a rest and recreation area for the CTG, where even pregnant female NPAs gave birth in local hospitals," Saclot said.
By 2022, through the joint efforts of the local government and military, more than 1,800 communist rebels reorganized into the Integrated Peace and Development Workers Federation/Associations (IPDWF/As). They are now vital partners in sustaining peace and development in Biliran.