In Northern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY – The island town of Capul in Northern Samar has been added to the growing list of local government units in the region declared with Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.
The declaration was held on April 16 and attended by Capul Mayor Isidro Bandal, board members Dexter Galit and Gilbert Layon, security officials in the province led by Col. Ericson Rosana, the commanding officer of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, and Police Col. Antonio Montaño, police provincial director for operations.
“This declaration of SIPS is a testament to the peace we have been protecting for so long,” Mayor Bandal said in his message, adding that it was achieved due to the collaborative efforts among the local government, Army, PNP, and other stakeholders.
According to the mayor, the SIPS status of the town will be a big help for them to attract both investors and tourists.
Known for its beautiful beaches and the century-old lighthouse, Capul is the fourth municipality under the jurisdiction of the 43rd IB that was declared with SIPS status.
The island town passed the conditions to be granted the SIPS status for its absence of recorded non-violent and violent New People’s Army activities and sightings for at least a year, conduct of local peace engagements down to the barangay level, the surrender and disaffiliation of former members and non-support from their network of supporters, and inter-agency and multi-sectoral pledge of commitment.
“Capul has not only passed said parameters but looking at their history, they have neither been affected nor infiltrated by communist insurgency,” LtCol. Arojo said.
Earlier, the towns of Tarangnan in Samar; Giporlos in Eastern Samar; San Jose, and Rosario, both in Northern Samar were declared under the SIPS status by the military.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
