Former NPA stronghold in Agusan del Sur now a peace zone

Loreto, a municipality in Agusan del Sur once dominated by the New People's Army (NPA), has officially been declared a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) zone. This significant achievement marks the end of decades of NPA influence, during which the rebels reportedly killed over a hundred villagers for refusing to provide support.

The declaration, made on July 31, 2026, was the culmination of joint efforts by the local government unit, the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division, and the Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office. These entities worked together to clear the area of NPA presence through a combination of backchannel dialogues and security operations.

Over the last six years, these coordinated efforts led to the surrender of 349 NPA members from Loreto and surrounding areas. Additionally, more than 20 NPA fighters were killed in clashes with the Army in remote parts of Loreto during the same period. The successful clearing operations, supported by local residents and officials, paved the way for the SIPS declaration.

Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army's 10th ID, emphasized that the declaration is not an endpoint but a starting point for sustained peacekeeping. He highlighted the need for continued collaboration between the military, police, and local officials to protect the achieved peace, referring to it as a "peace dividend." The symbolic event included the unveiling of a SIPS marker at the municipal government center, witnessed by community leaders and peace and order council members.

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This municipality, now under Stable Internal Peace and Security, is not the end of our peacekeeping mission in areas in its territory. It is something that we and counterparts in the police and local officials shall together sustain, something like a `peace dividend’ that we need to protect together.