Calamba on Friday became the first city in Laguna province to achieve a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status. The milestone was announced during the fourth quarter joint meeting of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council at Jose Rizal Coliseum Convention Hall here. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the city government and Task Force Ugnay of the Philippine Army, formalizing the SIPS declaration. The city's achievement is largely attributed to a significant reduction in the New People's Army (NPA) terrorist activities, brought down to a manageable level. The MOU outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties to ensure effective law enforcement operations and maintain the SIPS status. It emphasizes the local government's commitment to conducting robust law enforcement to prevent resurgence of NPA atrocities. 'Peace and security are essential to progress and growth,' Mayor Roseller Rizal, chair of the CPOC and the City Task For ce to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, said. Rizal said the SIPS status aligns with the city's recognition as the Best Safe Haven City in 2023, ranking next to Baguio City in 2024, and as second runner-up in the Wealth Center category of the Manila Times Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities 2024 Awards given last month. Laguna comprises six cities and 24 municipalities, with seven municipalities having achieved SIPS status thus far. Source: Philippines News agency
Saturday, October 19, 2024