Apayao was formally declared under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security on May 12 signaling that community-led peace efforts have effectively neutralized long-standing insurgent threats.
The declaration, held at the BGV Jr. Memorial Sports Center, marks a strategic transition where the Philippine National Police officially accepted the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and order from the Philippine Army.
This shift signifies that insurgent threats have been neutralized through the combined efforts of law enforcement and the active cooperation of local residents.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of the SIPS seal and a collective signing of a pledge of commitment by provincial leaders and security forces, highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between the police and the community.
Police Brig. Gen. Ericson Dilag, director of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO – CAR), noted the declaration is a testament to the resilience of the people of Apayao and emphasized that as the lead agency for the province’s internal security, PRO – CAR is fully prepared to protect the territory’s progress and ensure it remains a safe haven where terrorism has no place to return.
The event was also attended by Gov. Elias C. Bulut Jr. and Vice Gov. Kyle Mariah Chelsea S. Bulut-Cunan to show full support for the transition, including DILG-CAR Regional Director Anthony C. Nuyda, and Maj. Gen. Gulliver Señires, commander of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division.
Nuyda described the recognition as a major step for Apayao after years of peace building efforts involving government agencies, security forces, local officials, and communities.
“The status we received today reflects the unwavering commitment, resilience, and unity of all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to secure peace across our communities,” he said adding the declaration places Apayao in a stronger position to pursue programs focused on economic growth, infrastructure, and community development.
Bulut-Cunan said peace should not be treated as a one-time achievement.
“Peace is not something achieved once and forgotten,” she said. “It is something continuously protected, strengthened, and sustained through leadership, cooperation, and shared responsibility.”
She pointed to communities such as Marag Valley, once associated with armed conflict and instability, which she said now stand as examples of resilience and progress.
According to Bulut-Cunan, maintaining stability required more than security operations alone. She said government presence in communities through infrastructure, education, livelihood, youth engagement, and basic services played a major role in addressing the roots of insurgency. NLMonitor
