The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Western Visayas (Region 6) approved the declaration of a state of stable internal peace and security (SIPS) in Negros Occidental at its first quarter meeting in Bago City, Negros Occidental, on Monday, March 25.
“Together with this will also be the declaration of Negros Oriental” under the same SIPS status, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, RPOC-6 chair, said.
However, the Negros SIPS status does not mean that the Philippine Army will be leaving, the governor said.
“They will still be around, it only shows that the campaign against the local terrorist groups is really gaining ground. That is why the membership of the RPOC supported the resolution,” he said.
Lacson said after the RPOC approved the SIPS status of Negros Occidental, it will be presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for final declaration.
There is a plan to invite the president to Negros to declare the island under a SIPS status by April or May, Lacson said.
The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) earlier declared that is has dismantled all five guerrilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in Negros Island.
The Police Regional Office 6 also gave an orientation on the Revitalized Police in Barangays, which will increase police visibility and promote safety in the community, during the RPOC meeting.*