In a historic milestone for Mindanao, the entire Caraga region has been formally declared under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS). The declaration ceremony was held at the LMX Convention Center in Butuan City on June 18, 2026, marking the culmination of decades of efforts to end insurgency in the area.
The ceremony was led by Department of National Defense Undersecretary Angelito De Leon and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., who unveiled a Peace Marker to symbolize the region new status. Government officials described the declaration as the end of the influence of the communist New People Army (NPA) in Caraga.
The Caraga region, officially known as Region XIII, comprises five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. Butuan City, as the regional center, has long been at the forefront of development and governance efforts in the area.
The SIPS declaration means that the region has achieved a level of peace and security where communist insurgency no longer poses a significant threat to communities. This milestone opens the door for more focused government investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development across the region six cities and five provinces.
Local officials in Butuan City and across Caraga have welcomed the declaration, noting that it reflects the hard work of local government units, security forces, and community leaders who have worked tirelessly to bring lasting peace to the region.
The achievement is seen as a model for other regions in the Philippines still grappling with insurgency, demonstrating that sustained government commitment and community engagement can lead to meaningful and lasting peace.
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Sources: Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Tribune, Philippine News Agency