Caraga: The Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) anticipates a complete cessation of active communist rebel activities within its Areas of Responsibility (AOR) following the recent declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in the Caraga Region.

According to Philippines News Agency, 4ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao emphasized that SIPS demonstrates an interagency mechanism to coordinate with communities, aimed at yielding remnants of the New People's Army (NPA) either through military operations or surrenders. "Following the successful declaration of SIPS across the entire Caraga Region, we are determined to sustain the momentum of our peace efforts in Northern Mindanao," he said in an interview.

SIPS is an official designation conferred by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to a municipality, province, or region, certifying that NPA operations have been neutralized to foster secure and progressive communities. On June 18, Caraga Region, one of 4ID's AORs, was formally declared under SIPS.

On Sunday, June 21, troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion and the 8th Infantry Battalion encountered NPA combatants in Bukidnon province, resulting in two rebel deaths. In Sitio Tagiptip, Barangay Iba, Cabanglasan town, the slain rebel was identified as Edward Pantandon. In Sitio Nalumosan, Barangay Silae, Malaybalay City, a ranking NPA combatant identified as Romeo Manpinsahan (alias Kakoy), commanding officer of Headquarters Force NEO under the NPA's North Central Mindanao Command, was killed. Three high-powered firearms were also recovered.