The Calabarzon region was formally declared insurgency-free for 2026, becoming the first region in the country to receive Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, authorities said.
The declaration was made June 12, 2026 during the SIPS Seal Awarding and Declaration Ceremony at the Quezon Convention Center here, coinciding with the 128th anniversary of Philippine independence.
The ceremony was led by Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. and Quezon Gov. Angelina “Helen” Tan, chairperson of the Calabarzon Regional Peace and Order Council.
Also present were Lt. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Southern Luzon Command; Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division; Police Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan; and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The regional declaration built on individual SIPS designations achieved by Calabarzon’s five provinces over the years.
Cavite was the first to receive the status, in 2018, and was revalidated in 2024.
Laguna followed in 2019 and was revalidated this year, while Batangas, Quezon and Rizal attained their declarations in 2021, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Authorities credited the milestone to sustained cooperation among the AFP, the Philippine National Police, local government units and communities across the region.
Balaoro said the achievement reflected a broader peace strategy in Southern Luzon focused on dismantling armed groups, restoring public trust and expanding opportunities in previously neglected communities.
He said the region’s economy and stability have improved markedly over the past eight years.
The event also included the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement for the regional SIPS declaration, with the five provinces jointly pledging continued support for maintaining peace and security in the region.
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