The state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Negros Island may now be formally declared by the concerned Local Chief Executives, after its conditions have been met, disclosed Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
In a statement, Sison, who supervises the internal security operations of six Army battalions in Negros Island, said the SIPS declaration in a locality will attract new investments, generate more jobs, and provide opportunities to Negrenses.
The 3ID earlier declared that all the five existing New People’s Army guerrilla fronts in Negros Island, have been dismantled.
But the focused military operations against rebel remnants are still ongoing to prevent them from recovering their lost territories and recruiting new members, according to Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, who is the 3ID Public Affairs Office chief.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command reported that all NPA-infested communities in the Visayas region have already been cleared and its community engagement efforts are now geared towards preventing the resurgence of the CPP-NPA.
On February 13, PMaj. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, commander of the Area Police Command (APC-Visayas), visited the 3ID headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, where he was welcomed by Maj. Gen. Sison and staff.
Both leaders have discussed enhancing military-police cooperation and collaboration in Regions 6 and 7, Javines said.
Rodriguez assured 3ID of full support from APC-Visayas, particularly in its efforts to end insurgency in Western and Central Visayas.
APC-Visayas, which covers three Police Regional Offices: 6, 7, and 8, has a mandate to orchestrate and supervise inter-regional operations against insurgency, terrorism, and other internal security threats.
Sison expressed his appreciation to APC-Visayas for pledging their full backing to the 3ID’s anti-insurgency endeavors.
This commitment is essential in establishing and sustaining stable internal peace and security, which will greatly improve the lives of the people in Western and Central Visayas, the 3ID chief said.
“With a stronger partnership with our police counterparts, together with other stakeholders in the region, our dream of establishing Stable Internal Peace and Security for the people of Western and Central Visayas is at hand,” Sison added.
(Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy by TVDS)