CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal — CALABARZON is now the first region in the country to be declared free of insurgency this year as they officially achieved Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status on June 12.
The declaration happened during a ceremony at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City in commemoration with the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.
Top officials attended the ceremony including Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and 2nd Infantry Division Commander Major General Ramon Zagala.
This historic milestone is the result of years of local efforts. Cavite was the first province in the region to achieve peace status in 2018, followed by Laguna in 2019, and Batangas reached the goal in 2021, while Quezon achieved the status in 2023, and Rizal in 2024.
Together, these provincial successes cleared the way for the whole region’s declaration.
Zagala stated that peace and freedom go together emphasizing that true freedom means citizens can live safely and work without fear.
He also noted that this success belongs to everyone who worked hard to protect the region.
“This achievement belongs to everyone who worked tirelessly to make CALABARZON a safer, more stable, and more resilient region,” Zagala said.
CALABARZON is a major hub for business, farming, and tourism, more growth and investments.