In a historic milestone for Southern Luzon, the entire Calabarzon region was formally declared insurgency-free for 2026 through the awarding of the Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) Seal and the renewal of the SIPS Commitment for the Calabarzon provinces.
The declaration was held during ceremonies held on June 12, coinciding with the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The ceremony was led by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. and Quezon Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan, Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-Calabarzon.
Also present were Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Commander Lt. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, Police Regional Office 4A Director P/BGen. Hansel Marantan, Quezon Police Provincial Office Director P/Col. Romulo Albacea, Vice Governor Anacleto “Third” Alcala III, local chief executives, and representatives from various government agencies.
In her keynote message, Governor Tan emphasized that lasting peace was achieved through strong collaboration among communities, government agencies, and various sectors of society.
“The problem of insurgency, which had long been rooted in marginalized communities, was addressed through extensive consultations and collaboration among citizens, sectors, and local governments to ensure a strong foundation for every city and municipality,” Tan said.
Lt. Gen. Balaoro lauded the collective efforts of local government units, security forces, and community stakeholders in sustaining peace across Southern Luzon. He stressed that the insurgency-free declaration reflects years of cooperation and commitment toward development and stability in the region.
Maj. Gen. Zagala, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, underscored the crucial role played by local communities and peace advocates in supporting government efforts to address insurgency and prevent the resurgence of armed conflict.
In an interview, Marantan highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies, local governments, and the public to preserve the gains achieved in maintaining peace and public safety throughout Calabarzon.
For his part, Albacea reaffirmed the commitment of the Quezon Police Provincial Office to sustain peace and order initiatives and strengthen partnerships with local communities to ensure a secure environment conducive to growth and development.
Calabarzon received the SIPS Seal in recognition of their efforts in sustaining peace, security, and development.
The event also featured the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the Regional SIPS Declaration and a collective pledge of commitment from provincial leaders and partner agencies to uphold peace and stability across the region.
Officials hailed the declaration as a landmark achievement not only for Quezon Province but for the entire Calabarzon region, further strengthening its reputation as a model of unity, good governance, and effective peacebuilding in the Philippines.
(Report by Sol Luzano/OpinYon Quezonin News Team)
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