Cavite made history as the first province in CALABARZON to be declared insurgency-free in 2018, and the entire region of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon has now achieved the prestigious Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, making it the first region in the Philippines to receive this declaration.
A Historic Achievement Built on Provincial Milestones
The entire CALABARZON region officially attained Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status on June 12, 2026, coinciding with the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day . The declaration was formalized during the SIPS Seal Awarding and Declaration Ceremony at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, attended by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Quezon Governor Angelina Tan, Southern Luzon Command Commander Lt. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., and 2nd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala .
The regional declaration was built on a series of provincial milestones achieved over the years. Cavite became the first province in the region—and one of the first in the country—to be declared under SIPS on December 4, 2018 . Laguna followed in 2019, Batangas in 2021, Quezon in 2023, and Rizal in 2024 . Together, these accomplishments paved the way for CALABARZON to become the first region in the country to attain SIPS status.
A Victory Earned by the People of Southern Tagalog
NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. described the SIPS declaration as "a victory earned by the people of Southern Tagalog after decades of conflict, intimidation, and underdevelopment" . He noted that the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon were regarded by communist leaders as critical to their revolutionary ambitions, with the region's mountains, agricultural communities, urban centers, and educational institutions becoming targets of recruitment and armed operations .
The declaration signifies that the Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front, and the New People's Army no longer pose a significant threat to peace and order in the region . While possible remnants of the NPA may still be present, they are no longer capable of launching terrorist activities and no longer enjoy community support . As Torres emphasized, "The declaration of SIPS is not merely the absence of armed conflict. It is the restoration of normal life. It means communities can focus on development instead of security threats. It means children can dream bigger".
A Foundation for Growth, Investment, and Opportunity
The SIPS declaration is expected to significantly boost investor confidence, create more economic opportunities, and accelerate the delivery of government services across the region. CALABARZON is recognized as one of the country's major centers of industry, tourism, agriculture, and commerce, where peace continues to create opportunities for growth, investment, and development .
As Torres noted, "The energy once consumed by conflict can now be directed toward investment, education, tourism, livelihood, and long-term development" . The achievement serves as a reminder that sustaining peace requires continued vigilance, strong partnerships, and shared responsibility . Since 2018, a total of 58 provinces have attained SIPS status nationwide, with regions like Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Western Visayas also declared insurgency-free . The story of Southern Tagalog proves that no insurgency is stronger than a united people determined to build a better future for their children .
