Region IV-A (CALABARZON) formally declared a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status and renewed its commitment to sustaining peace across the region’s provinces on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, Quezon in line with the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.
LUCENA CITY, Philippines — The Calabarzon region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) has been formally declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), marking a major milestone in the government’s campaign to end insurgency and strengthen peace and development in Southern Luzon.
The declaration was made on Friday, June 12, during the celebration of the country’s 128th Independence Day at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, where government and security officials gathered to recognize the region’s achievement.
Quezon Gov. Angelina “Helen” Tan, chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Region IV-A, received the plaque of declaration on behalf of Calabarzon.
In her speech, Tan described the recognition as the result of years of collaboration among local government units, national agencies, security forces and communities.
“Ang paglalakbay ng ating lalawigan tungo sa pagkilala bilang isang SIPS ay maihahambing sa isang binhing itinanim sa lupa,” Tan said, likening the region’s peace-building efforts to a seed that grew into a sturdy tree through sustained care, commitment and cooperation.
Tan recalled how Quezon province was once widely associated with communist insurgency, a reputation that affected both its image and development prospects.
“Mga NPA o kaya naman mga rebelde ang madalas na ipinupukol na mga mapangusisang mata” sa mga taga-Quezon, she said.
Upon assuming office in 2022, Tan said her administration adopted a whole-of-government, whole-of-society and bottom-up approach to address insurgency and criminality by focusing on community engagement, responsive governance and development programs.
The governor said all 39 municipalities and two cities in Quezon attained SIPS status within a year, paving the way for the province’s own declaration as insurgency-free in 2023.
She also cited livelihood and reintegration programs for former rebels and vulnerable sectors, which provided sustainable income opportunities and discouraged a return to armed struggle.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, who attended the event, lauded Quezon’s transformation and credited its progress to effective governance and inclusive development.
“Hindi na kailangan ng permit to campaign dito dahil insurgency-free na ang Quezon province,” Remulla said, recalling a time when political activities in some areas were constrained by security concerns linked to insurgency.
The DILG chief emphasized that the roots of insurgency are often tied to poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity.
“Ang ugat ng insurgency ay hindi nagagaling sa karahasan, kundi dahil hindi parehas ang laban ng mga tao — hindi makapag-aral, hindi makapaghanapbuhay, at hindi makatarungan ang kanilang araw-araw,” he said.
Remulla also highlighted Quezon’s economic gains, citing data from the National Economic and Development Authority showing that the province posted one of the fastest growth rates in the country in 2024.
“Sa unang pagkakataon, tinalo ng Quezon ang Cavite nitong 2024,” he said in jest, noting that the province’s economic rise reflected the benefits of peace, stability and investor confidence.
Drawing from Cavite’s development experience, Remulla underscored the importance of job creation, industrialization and people-centered governance in sustaining growth and preventing the conditions that fuel armed conflict.
The event was attended by AFP Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., AFP IV-A Commander Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, Police Regional Office 4-A Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan, local officials and representatives from national government agencies.
Earlier in the day, officials and uniformed personnel participated in Independence Day rites at the Quezon Provincial Capitol Grounds and Perez Park, including a flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Tan stressed that the SIPS declaration should not be viewed as the end of government efforts but as the beginning of a continuing responsibility to preserve peace through dialogue, reintegration and inclusive development.
“We accept the challenge of maintaining the state of peace, safety and order in the region through peaceful engagement and sustainable opportunities for reintegration,” she said.
The governor added that the declaration, made on Independence Day, symbolizes not only the country’s freedom from colonial rule but also Calabarzon’s liberation from the threats of rebellion, violence and unrest.
She urged residents to help sustain peace through meaningful actions at the personal, community and institutional levels, calling on them to emulate the resilience of the “Molave” tree championed by former President Manuel L. Quezon.
Officials said the declaration reflects the success of coordinated efforts among government agencies, local governments, security forces and communities in maintaining peace, stability and development across the region, while reaffirming their commitment to ensure that the gains achieved will be preserved for future generations.
