SULU FORMALLY DECLARES STATE OF STABLE INTERNAL PEACE AND SECURITY

The Province of Sulu officially achieved a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition on September 24, 2026, marking a historic transition for a region once considered one of the country's primary conflict-affected areas.

During a formal ceremony held at the Capitol Gymnasium in Patikul, provincial and local executives signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) alongside leadership from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to institutionalize long-term stability.

Joining local stakeholders in signing a concurrent Pledge of Commitment, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. hailed the declaration as a monumental victory for future generations. He emphasized that the province's primary struggle has officially shifted from armed conflict to aggressive economic development, noting the critical role that infrastructure, power, connectivity, education, and basic services will play in sustaining these peace gains.

Military and civilian officials confirmed that organized armed threats have significantly diminished across all 19 municipalities, allowing normal community life and local governance to be fully restored. To commemorate the milestone, Sulu provincial government officials also presented a cache of surrendered firearms to Secretary Teodoro.

Courtesy: Department of National Defense