CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division of the Philippine Army has formally declared the town of Cavinti in the province of Laguna as ‘insurgency-free’ through the bestowment of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) on Tuesday, Feb 27.

During the program, the 202nd Infantry “Unifier” Brigade of the Philippine Army Commander Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro, Jr. underscored the significance of public participation in achieving peace and unity in the country.

“Unity, that’s the flagship program of our administration and this is why there is no more room for us Filipinos to fight each other. In fact, our government launched the Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Program or ECLIP to pave the way for those who want to return to the government,” Balaoro said.

Balaoro also highlighted the signed amnesty program of the national government and the forces of the CPP-NPA-NDF as a means to address the legal status and security of returning rebels and to also ensure their gradual integration into society and safeguard their well-being.

The army general lauded the support of the residents of Cavinti in upholding peace and emphasized to the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to go back to the folds of the law, join the mainstream of society, and avail themselves of the reintegration program of the government.

“All of our programs are open. Our government has opened an opportunity, a path or door to those brothers, children, acquaintances, and friends who have been recruited to finally return. That is the message of unity because there is no room for us to quarrel anymore. That's all, unity and peace."

In his message, Cavinti mayor Arrantlee Arroyo expressed his gratitude to the national government that gathered together to pledge their commitment to assist the town in implementing peace and order initiatives for its residents.

He said: “I declare a firm collaboration of the local government of Cavinti for this initiative to attain peace, and above all, the commitment to combat terrorism here in the town of Cavinti and in the entire province of Laguna”.

According to the 202nd Infantry Brigade, the declaration of SIPS status means that the local chief executive is now leading the efforts to maintain peace and security in their town.

Nesting at the foot of Sierra Madre, Cavinti is known as the ‘Glamping Capital of Laguna’ for its natural wonders and picturesque view.

Arroyo considered the SIPS declaration as a way to attract more investors and tourists to the town, which paves the way for more jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Cavinti.

Balaoro assures the local chief executive that the Philippine Army will continue to fulfill its mandate to eradicate the recruitment efforts and violent activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF and pave the way for economic growth in the municipality.

Cavinti is the third town in Laguna declared with Stable Internal Peace and Security after Kalayaan and Sta. Maria. (CO/PIA-4A)