Agusan Norte achieves SIPS status, sustains peace gains through whole-of-nation approach
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The province of Agusan del Norte has officially achieved Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, marking a major milestone in its sustained peace-building efforts and reflecting the successful collaboration of local government units (LGUs), security forces, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities across the province.
The declaration was made during the special Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on June 4, where the province’s SIPS status was formally recognized following the successful attainment of Stable Internal Peace and Security across its city and municipalities. These LGU-level declarations, anchored on sustained peace and development initiatives and compliance with the Department of National Defense (DND)-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Revised Joint Implementing Rules and Regulations (JIRR) of Executive Order No. 546, served as the foundation for the provincial-level declaration. The initiative likewise supports the national government’s mandate to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).
The milestone aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to strengthen the whole-of-nation approach in achieving lasting peace and sustainable development, particularly in former conflict-affected communities. Under Executive Order No. 70, the administration continues to emphasize convergence among government agencies, local governments, and stakeholders in addressing the root causes of insurgency while expanding access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, and inclusive development programs.
Alongside the SIPS declaration, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Agusan del Norte, distributed P528,653.57 worth of assistance to seven former rebels under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The assistance package includes immediate financial aid, livelihood support, firearms remuneration, and reintegration assistance to help former rebels rebuild their lives and reintegrate into mainstream society as productive citizens.
Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante underscored the importance of sustaining peace gains and ensuring that former rebels are continuously guided toward productive civilian life.
“We must strive to ensure that they will no longer return to the armed struggle. We should help them,” Governor Amante said.
She also emphasized the importance of strong local governance and accountability in delivering government services at the community level. “Local chief executives should know the status of projects implemented in their communities so they can identify the needs of the people and determine the impact of these programs. They should feel and know that the government is working for them.”
Governor Amante added that the assistance reflects the government’s commitment to restoring dignity, promoting reconciliation, and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for former rebels and their families.
DILG-Agusan del Norte Director and PPOC Head Secretariat Ellen Vee P. Chua emphasized that E-CLIP remains a key component of the government’s peace-building and reintegration efforts, in line with national directives on sustaining peace gains under the whole-of-nation approach.
“The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program reminds us that peace-building is not measured merely by tactical victories, but by the lives we successfully rebuild and welcome back into our communities,” Dir. Chua said.
One of the program’s notable reintegration success stories is in the municipality of Buenavista, where former rebels have been successfully integrated into community and local government work.
Representing Mayor Jose T. Roble, Municipal Administrator Juselle Tricia S. Roble reported that 25 former rebels are currently employed by the Municipal Government of Buenavista as members of the Mayor’s Action Team, serving as force multipliers in maintaining peace and order in the community.
“Before, they were running away from authorities. Now, they are part of the team working to achieve peace in the community,” Roble said.
Provincial officials said that the SIPS declaration reflects the culmination of sustained LGU-led peace-building initiatives, strengthened governance, and effective delivery of basic services at the grassroots level, all of which contributed significantly to the province’s attainment of SIPS status.
With its SIPS declaration, Agusan del Norte is now better positioned to accelerate socio-economic development, attract investments, and expand livelihood opportunities while sustaining the peace gains achieved through sustained LGU action and convergence efforts under the whole-of-nation approach and PBBM’s peace and development directives.
As the province entered a new phase of peace and progress, local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining these gains through responsive governance, inclusive development programs, and continued collaboration with communities and stakeholders in building a peaceful, resilient, and progressive Agusan del Norte. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)