The activity, held at the LMX Convention Center in Butuan City on June 18, 2026, marks the culmination of decades of relentless efforts by the government and the Filipino people to address insurgency through a comprehensive Whole-of-Nation Approach that combined security operations, good governance, socio-economic development, and community empowerment.
The declaration follows the approval of the resolution by the Regional Peace and Order Council 13 declaring Caraga region in a state of SIPS and the adoption of resolutions by Peace and Order Councils (POCs) of the five (5) provinces and one (1) city recognizing that all provinces and city in Caraga have attained the conditions necessary for SIPS status.
Prior to the declaration ceremony, Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of 4ID, officially took his oath as the Vice Chairperson of the RPOC-13 during a special meeting held at the Verona Hall in same venue.
Moreover, Provincial governors Hon. Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante of Agusan del Norte; Hon. Santiago B. Cane of Agusan del Sur; Hon. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers of Surigao del Norte; Hon. Manuel O. Alameda Sr., the Acting Governor of Surigao del Sur who represented Governor Johnny T. Pimentel; Hon. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. of Dinagat Islands and Hon. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun, Mayor of Butuan City were present to witness this historic event.
In their messages of peace and acceptance, said local chief executives formally accepted the declaration and conveyed their appreciation to the security sector, partner agencies, and every Caraganon for their vital contributions in achieving this historic milestone. They emphasized that the declaration is a shared victory of the people of Caraga and a testament to what can be accomplished through unity, cooperation, and a common commitment to lasting peace and development.
This significant achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army; the Department of National Defense (DND); the Philippine National Police (PNP); the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU); local government units (LGUs); other national government agencies all under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC); civil society organizations; Indigenous People's Community and peace-loving Caraganons throughout the region.
The event was also graced by retired Major General Angelito M. De Leon, the Undersecretary for Defense Affairs of the Department of National Defense who represented the SND, Hon. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, the Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command who also represented General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In his statement delivered by retired Maj. Gen. De Leon, Secretary Teodoro described the declaration of SIPS as the result of years of sacrifice, hard work, cooperation, and steadfast commitment from all sectors of society. While celebrating this historic milestone, he reminded stakeholders that the declaration is not the end of the journey, but rather a responsibility that must be protected and continuously strengthened through responsive governance, inclusive economic opportunities, and sustained collaboration.
Meanwhile, in his closing message, Maj. Gen. Angcao said despite achieving this milestone, the work is still far from over.
"The declaration of SIPS is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to sustain the peace we have gained, protect the progress we have achieved, and ensure that future generations inherit a Caraga that is secure, resilient and full of opportunities. Our joined, combined and focused efforts to end the local communist armed conflict here in the region have made a significant progress. Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to each one of you for your continuted support and commitment in all our endeavors," he added.