Palo: At least seven towns in Leyte will be officially declared as completely free from threats of the New People's Army on June 20. Mayor Remedios Petilla of Palo town, president of the League of Municipalities Leyte chapter, stated that all the towns in the first congressional district of the province have met the criteria to be declared as having a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC).

According to Philippines News Agency, the mayors have decided to hold joint declarations to demonstrate their unified commitment to peace and security. The event, scheduled to take place at Palo Gym in Palo town, will bring together town mayors, municipal council members, and village chiefs from Alangalang, Babatngon, Palo, Sta. Fe, Tanauan, San Miguel, and Tolosa.

SIPSC is a status jointly declared by the Philippine Army and local governments for areas where there has been no New People's Army (NPA) activity for several years and no residents are identified as members or supporters of armed rebels. Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that the declaration in the first district of Leyte is a collective effort of their local leaders to maintain the peace that the community has enjoyed for years.

Vestuir further mentioned that achieving a state of stable internal peace and security is the result of the cooperation and efforts of local government entities and their communities. The military noted that several areas in the region have long been peaceful, and the declaration of the SIPS status serves as a formal and official manifestation of the commitment of local leaders and people to sustain this peace and prevent any threat group from gaining a foothold in their communities.