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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider AFP declares Northern Mindanao region 8 towns, 1 city under state of 'stable peace'

AFP declares Northern Mindanao region 8 towns, 1 city under state of 'stable peace'

Published Aug 11, 2026 09:50 pm
BUTUAN CITY – One city and eight towns in Northern Mindanao or Region 10 was formally declared under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) on Monday, marking the culmination of decades of efforts to end insurgency in the said areas.
The 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion (88th) IB) joined local government units (LGUs) and peace and security stakeholders in the handover of Area of the Responsibility (AOR) ceremony and joint declaration of SIPS covering the eight towns and one city in Misamis Oriental province in Northern Mindanao region at Unity Hall, Provincial Capitol, Cagayan de Oro City, on Monday.
The municipalities of Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, Initao, Libertad, Gitagum, Alubijid, and Opol, and El Salvador City are declared SIPS.
The declaration in these said areas marked a significant milestone in the province’s continuing peace and security efforts, reflecting the collective commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP), civil society, and communities in sustaining peace and creating an environment conducive to development.
The historic event was attended by Maj. Gen. Marion T. Angcao, commanding general of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID) ; Brig. Gen. Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade; Brig. Gen. Bernardo A. Taqueban, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade; Lt. Col. Arnold M. Bautista, commanding Officer of the 88th IB; Lt. Col. Jeremy D. Damonsong, commanding officer of the 44th IB; and Misamis Oriental Gov. Juliette T. Uy, along with other top government officials, and community stakeholders.
The ceremony also featured the formal handover of the AOR to the 88th IB under the leadership of Lt Col. Arnold M. Bautista, following the presentation of the completion report by the outgoing 44th IB and the formal acceptance of responsibility by the 88th IB.
In his message, Maj. Gen. Angcao emphasized that peace goes beyond the absence of armed conflict, describing it as an environment where children can attend school without fear, farmers and fisherfolk can safely pursue their livelihoods, local governments can deliver services without disruption, and communities can move forward with hope.
“As one peace advocate said, ‘Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope.’ SIPS is our commitment to make that presence real in every corner of Misamis Oriental. The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, together with our partners in the PNP and other agencies, will stand with you. But let me say this clearly: No soldier, no police officer, no official can guard every street, every house, every mind. The strongest security will always be a united community. ‘Peace,’ they say, ‘is a daily decision,’ and today, as we declare Stable Internal Peace and Security, we decide together that we will choose peace and build on peace,” the Northern and Northeastern (Caraga) 4th ID chief said.
He further emphasized that the declaration of SIPS should not be regarded as the end of the peace and security journey, but as the beginning of a greater responsibility to sustain the gains achieved and ensure that peace and development are felt by the communities.
Lt. Col. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, chief of Public Affairs Office of 4th ID also said that as the 88th IB assumes responsibility for the area, the 4th ID will continue to work with its subordinate units, the PNP, local government units, other government agencies, and community stakeholders to sustain peace and security and advance inclusive development across Misamis Oriental, it said.

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