PEACEFUL AT LAST. Key officials from Biliran provincial government, military, and police hold a copy of the resolution declaring the province as completely free from the influence of armed rebels during a ceremony in Naval, Biliran on Wednesday (Sept. 11, 2024). Biliran is the first province in Eastern Visayas to earn the Stable Internal Peace and Security status. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)
NAVAL, Biliran – The entire province of Biliran has been officially declared on Wednesday as completely free from threats of the New People’s Army (NPA) and has attained the Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.
Key officials from the local government, national government agencies, and the Philippine Army (PA) gathered at the provincial capitol in Naval town to witness the declaration.
In his speech, Governor Gerard Espina said it is an honor for the province to attain such status as a fruit of partnership between government agencies and local officials.
“This is a testament to our vision for a peaceful, secured, and prosperous province of Biliran. We have addressed the root cause of insurgency through dialogue and cooperation,” Espina added.
Among the parameters achieved by Biliran is the absence of NPA activities for several years, functional local task forces to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC), and declaration of NPA as persona non-grata in villages, among others.
PA 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir said Biliran is the first province in Eastern Visayas to be declared with SPIS.
“For 16 years, there has been no presence of NPA guerrillas and no NPA violent activity in the province. This has been a peaceful province because of the collective efforts of the people of Biliran not allowing the NPA to set foot in this province,” Vestuir told local officials.
Alongside the SIPS declaration is the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) among the members of the provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict and peace partners.
The MOU aims to strengthen the support of local government units in maintaining peace and order, conducting activities to enhance law enforcement operations, and preventing the resurgence of the NPA.
The military said several areas in the region have long been peaceful, which paved the way for the declaration of the SIPS status is just a formal and official manifestation of the commitment of local leaders and people to sustain the peace and never allow any threat group to gain a foothold in their communities.
Biliran is one of the smallest provinces in the country, with a land area of 536.01 square kilometers and with eight towns. (PNA)
