The Philippine Army brigades, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police officials signed a joint recommendation to declare Negros Occidental under a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status during a Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Meeting, on Friday, March 1.
The meeting was attended by officials of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades together with line battalions in the province, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, and the Philippine Coast Guard at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.
The meeting was highlighted by the signing of the declaration and updates of the peace and security situation in the province.
Col. Victor Llapitan, 303IB Deputy Brigade Commander, said this is an important milestone for the Army to attain peace in the province.
“This is because of the collaborative efforts between the LGUs, the AFP, PNP, PCG and other stakeholders for peace”, he said, adding, “Notwithstanding this achievement, we should not lower our guards to ensure peace and security for all our communities here in Negros.”
Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division comnmander, commended the efforts of the army and the police, highlighting that the resolution is an important document that will jumpstart the declaration of SIPS, a significant milestone in the quest for peace.
“Through our collaboration, we can facilitate sharing resources, expertise, and perspectives, ultimately leading to more effective strategies for establishing this shared goal for all Negrenses,” Sison said.*