‘Stable internal peace, security’ declaration to boost dev’t in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2024): ‘Stable internal peace, security’ declaration to boost dev’t in Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of 3ID, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) is pushing for the declaration of a state of stable internal peace and security (SIPS) in the local government units (LGUs) in Negros after dismantling all the communist guerrilla fronts in the island.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, said having the SIPS status in a locality would attract investments, generate jobs, and bring more opportunities to its people.

“The conditions have been met in Negros Island and the SIPS can now be formally declared by our concerned local chief executives,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, public affairs chief of 3ID, said there was a directive for line battalions to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the LGUs to declare SIPS status in their respective cities and municipalities.

“This will also serve as supporting events to declare SIPS in both provinces of Negros,” he said in an interview.

At the LGU level, the peace and order council recommends the declaration of SIPS for adoption by the city or municipal council.

The mayor, PNP, and the Philippine Army have to pass a joint resolution formally declaring the SIPS in the locality, Javines said.

Six battalions, including the 79th, 62nd, 94th, 15th, 11th, and 47th Infantry Battalions (IB), under the supervision of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades, are based in Negros Island.

The 94IB dismantled the Central Negros 2 of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) late last year, after the dismantling of the South East Front, Northern Negros Front, and Central Negros 1.

The 3ID also recommended the formal declaration of the South West Front as being dismantled.

Javines, however, said the focused military operations against rebel remnants in Negros Island continue to prevent the CPP-NPA from recovering their lost territories and recruiting new members.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218855