Manila: The Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) peace campaign has achieved major gains after Calabarzon was declared a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) region following the decline of the communist insurgency. Aside from Calabarzon being declared SIPS on June 12, the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon, and the Bicol Region continue making steady progress toward attaining the same status.

According to Philippines News Agency, Solcom commander Lt. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr. emphasized that their legacy is not only about the operations conducted but also about the communities that have regained hope and the enduring peace established. "Through the Road to Peace in Southern Luzon, we will continue to strengthen partnerships, empower communities, and preserve the gains of peace for future generations," Balaoro stated.

Solcom marked its 39th anniversary on Friday, highlighting the dismantling of six sub-regional committees and one horizontal platoon of the New People's Army. This dismantling significantly disrupts the communist terrorist group's organizational structure and limits its ability to influence communities.

"Complementing these gains were the successful reintegration of 1,673 former rebels through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, strengthened interagency collaboration through the Joint Task Force Kapit Bisig and YES INSPIRE Program, and sustained civil-military operations that continue to deliver essential services and opportunities to communities across Southern Luzon," Balaoro added.

The YES INSPIRE program is a youth development initiative of the Quezon provincial government in the Philippines, aimed at strengthening youth leadership, civic awareness, and values formation.