Northern Samar's first congressional district achieves Stable Internal Peace and Security

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
July 5, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – For communities long burdened by decades of insurgency, July 3, 2026 marks a turning point: the official declaration of the entire First Congressional District of Northern Samar under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC).

The ceremony at the Provincial Capitol in Catarman formally recognized the remaining municipalities of the district, completing the SIPSC coverage for the First Congressional District. This achievement follows earlier milestones – the declaration of San Roque in the Second District on March 27, 2025, and Laoang on June 30, 2026 – demonstrating the steady expansion of peace across the province.

A Collective Triumph

The declaration is more than symbolic. It represents the resilience and unity of Northern Samar's people, who now look forward to stronger institutions, inclusive development, and communities free from the shadow of armed conflict. Farmers, fisherfolk, students, and entrepreneurs alike can pursue their livelihoods and aspirations with renewed confidence, while government services reach even the most remote barangays.

Whole-of-Nation Approach

This milestone reflects the success of the government's Whole-of-Nation Approach – a strategy that combined focused military and police operations with responsive governance, socio-economic programs, and active community participation. Through the dedication of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, local government units, national agencies, civil society organizations, and peace-loving citizens, the First Congressional District has now attained SIPSC status. Together with San Roque and Laoang, these declarations strengthen the province's foundation for lasting peace and sustainable progress.

Ceremony of Commitment

The event brought together leaders from national, regional, provincial, and municipal governments, alongside security forces, partner agencies, and community stakeholders. All reaffirmed their shared responsibility to preserve the gains achieved through years of sacrifice and cooperation.

Voices of Responsibility

The 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division underscored that SIPSC is not the end of peace efforts but the beginning of a collective responsibility to sustain them:

"Ang kapayapaang tinatamasa natin ngayon ay bunga ng sakripisyo ng ating mga kasundaluhan, kapulisan, mga lingkod bayan, at mga sibilyan na buong tapang na naglingkod sa ating mga komunidad. Ang pinakamataas nating pagpupugay sa kanila ay ang tiyakin na hindi muling babalik pa ang karahasan sa ating mga pamayanan. Ang kapayapaang kanilang pinaglaban ay dapat nating pangalagaan at ipamana sa susunod na henerasyon."

A New Chapter for Northern Samar

The completion of SIPSC in the First Congressional District signals a transition from conflict management to peace sustainment – where security serves as the bedrock for inclusive development, resilient institutions, and empowered communities. It underscores the collective resolve to ensure that the conditions which once fueled insurgency will never take root again.

From San Roque in 2025, to Laoang in June 2026, and now the First District's completion, Northern Samar continues to prove that enduring peace is achieved not by military efforts alone, but through the unity of government institutions, local leaders, partner agencies, and every Nortehanon committed to rejecting violence and embracing development.

The 8th Infantry Division reaffirms its commitment to work hand in hand with partner agencies, local government units, and the people of Northern Samar to safeguard the gains of peace, nurture resilient communities, and ensure that future generations inherit a province where security, opportunity, and progress thrive.