Sulu declared stable in internal peace, security condition

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Sulu has been formally declared to be in a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Thursday.

In a statement, the DND said provincial and local leaders, as well as representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to sustain peace and security in Sulu.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also joined the local leaders and security officials in signing a Pledge of Commitment.

Teodoro described the declaration as a significant milestone for Sulu.

“Ito ang pinakamalaking regalo ng mga magulang sa mga anak natin at apo natin…Ang struggle natin is for development and to maintain stable internal peace and security,” he said.

(This is the greatest gift parents can give to our children and grandchildren...Our struggle is for development and to maintain stable internal peace and security.)

Teodoro pointed out the importance of infrastructure, connectivity, education, and basic services in sustaining the gains of peace in the province.

SIPS areas are places where peace and security have become stable, with insurgency, armed conflict, and other major threats reduced to manageable levels.

This does not mean all threats are gone as the AFP, PNP, and other government agencies continue efforts to maintain peace and prevent violence from returning.

The declaration of SIPS condition means communities are stable and secure, allowing normal government operations, development programs, investments, and economic activities. —VAL, GMA News