Leyte Moves Closer to Province-Wide Peace Status
LEYTE - Leyte province is moving closer to achieving a province-wide Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), with only five of its 43 local government units yet to receive the designation. The Philippine Army's 93rd Infantry Battalion identified Tacloban City, Baybay City, Carigara, Jaro, and Albuera as the remaining areas without a SIPSC declaration. Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, commander of the 93rd Infantry Battalion, expressed optimism that these local government units could eventually meet the requirements for the status. The development reflects the progress of ongoing peace and security efforts across Leyte and the broader Eastern Visayas region.
Continuing Efforts to Strengthen Peace and Security
The 93rd Infantry Battalion remains committed to supporting efforts to end insurgency in its area of responsibility, which includes Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte. According to the military, there are no longer monitored New People's Army members originating from Leyte, although intelligence reports indicate that some remaining armed rebels continue to operate in parts of Leyte Island and Biliran. Biliran was declared insurgency-free in September 2024, while Southern Leyte achieved SIPSC status in May 2026. Military and government efforts continue to focus on maintaining peace and encouraging the remaining insurgents to return to the community and pursue peaceful alternatives.
Peace and Stability Open Opportunities for Development
The SIPSC designation represents an important milestone for local communities because it indicates that insurgent threats have been significantly reduced and peace and order conditions have improved. Achieving the status across the remaining areas could strengthen investor confidence, encourage tourism, and create a more favorable environment for infrastructure and economic development throughout Leyte. It also allows security agencies to adjust their priorities, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines able to focus more on territorial defense while the Philippine National Police takes the lead in maintaining peace and order. As the province continues working toward a province-wide stable peace and security status, the progress achieved so far provides a foundation for stronger development and greater opportunities for communities across Leyte.
