By Lily Gut Mayor and Chairman of MTF-ELCAC Mayor Lito Tanjuatco led the declaration, which included Ysmael Leyva, Assistant Regional Direct...
BARAS, Rizal - After more than five (5) decades of being affected by the communist terrorist group of the Communist Party of the Philippines New People's Army, or CPP-NPA-NDF, the people of history are definitely tainted by the armed struggle against the government when Tanay declared "Stable Internal Peace and Security" in Rizal. This declaration is significant in Rizal history because it marks the end of a long-running conflict and paves the way for progress and development in the province.
The Town of Tanay has formally declared itself Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) on May 29, 2023 after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a Pledge of Commitment, and a Persona Non-Grata held within the Municipality in said town.
This marks a significant milestone in the town's efforts to achieve lasting peace and development, as it paves the way for increased government support and private investments in the area. It is hoped that other communities affected by insurgency will follow suit and work towards achieving stability and progress for their respective localities.
Mayor and Chairman of MTF-ELCAC Mayor Lito Tanjuatco led the declaration, which included Ysmael Leyva, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, NICA 4A; Police Lt. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, Area Police Command, Southern Luzon Command; Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, Commander, 2ID; Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., Commander, 202nd Infantry Brigade; Police Col. Dominic Baccay, Provincial Director, Rizal Police Provincial Office; Mr. Lt. Col. Erwin Y. Comendador, Commanding Officer of the 80IB; Police Lt. Col. Francisco Panisan, Chief of Police, Tanay, Rizal; and chiefs of staff of various local government departments and barangay chiefs.
SIPS is the highest level in the category of normalization of peace that can be awarded in an area when successfully meeting the criteria set under the stages of normalization according to the Revised Joint Implementing Rules and Regulations to Executive Order 546 Series of 2006, specifically the absence of recorded violent NPA activity for at least one year.
Tanjuatco believes that peace leads to progress and development in communities and that the SIPS recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all stakeholders involved in maintaining peace and order in their respective areas.
He also urged all citizens to support the implementation of NTF-ELCAC programs as well as government programs for people's development and to continue working together towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the country.
The mayor said that the recognition of the SIPS is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the police force in ensuring the safety and security of their community.
"It is important to note that the SIPS recognition serves as a reminder of the positive impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a commitment to peacebuilding." he said.
He also emphasized that their efforts should not go unnoticed and that they deserve commendation for their service.
"If there are no terrorists disrupting the community's peace and order, the development of a town can be seen. We anticipate that many more towns in Rizal will declare SIPS in the near future." the Mayor said.
Additionally, he encouraged everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities to help maintain peace and order in their area.
Meanwhile, Comendador said the SIPS declaration in the town of Tanay describes the peace and development of the town.
"It only means that there is no more room for the twisted ideology of the communist terrorists in the area and their exploitation of the impoverished citizens," Comendador said.
He pointed declaration also signifies the commitment of the local government and security forces to work together to ensure the safety and welfare of the community.
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