EIGHT municipalities and one component city in Misamis Oriental were officially declared under a state of stable internal peace and security (SIPS) during a ceremony at the provincial capitol’s Unity Hall on Aug. 10.
The milestone was marked alongside the formal handover of area of responsibility (AOR) to the 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID).
The declaration covers the municipalities of Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, Initao, Libertad, Gitagum, Alubijid, and Opol, alongside El Salvador City.
The classification signifies that local insurgent structures have been cleared and neutralized, establishing an environment conducive to sustained economic development and public safety.
During the ceremony, the outgoing 44th Infantry Battalion presented its completion report, officially handing over security responsibility to the 88IB under the command of LTCOL Arnold M. Bautista.
Among the top brass and local chief executives who attended the ceremony were MGEN Marion T. Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division; Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette T. Uy;
BGEN Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade; BGEN Bernardo A. Taqueban, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade; LTCOL Arnold M. Bautista, commanding officer of the 88IB; and LTCOL Jeremy D. Damonsong, commanding officer of the 44IB.
In his address, Angcao emphasized that achieving the status is not merely the absence of active armed conflict, but the foundation for community growth and social justice.
“Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope,” Angcao said. “SIPS is our commitment to make that presence real in every corner of Misamis Oriental.”
Angcao reminded local leaders and residents that maintaining security requires continuous community participation rather than sole reliance on uniformed services.
“No soldier, no police officer, no official can guard every street, every house, every mind. The strongest security will always be a united community,” he added. “Today, as we declare Stable Internal Peace and Security, we decide together that we will choose peace and build on peace.”
