Banaue, Ifugao – Peace and order in Ifugao in recent years have been achieved through vigilance, cooperation, and trust among constituents, local government units, local leaders, and security forces.
On February 2, 2026, these efforts were formally recognized as the province was officially declared under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS)—the “highest” level of security clearance conferred by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to areas where insurgent threats have been effectively neutralized.
It can be recalled that Ifugao was earlier declared an “insurgency-free” province under Executive Order No. 70, following the dismantling of two CTG groups in recent years, with no signs of imminent threats in the area.
According to reports, these groups included the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur (dismantled in 2023) and the KLG Baggas, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee of the CPP-NPA-NDF (dismantled in 2024).
This milestone was made possible through the continued collaboration of the AFP, the Philippine National Police (PNP), LGUs, and local communities.
Subsequently, the 11 towns of the province proclaimed their areas as peaceful and free of local communist armed conflict. These declarations were supported by the Provincial Peace and Order Council, which recommended through Resolution No. 05, S. 2023, that Ifugao be declared an insurgency- and CTG-free province.
The recommendation stemmed from validation conducted by the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee of Northern Luzon (JAPIC-NL), which confirmed that all 11 municipalities were cleared of CTG influence.
The province’s insurgency-free status has been maintained up to the present, leading to the official declaration on February 2 at the Provincial Capitol in Lagawe.
The signing, which coincided with the provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony, represents the final official seal of stability for the province.
In its report, the 503rd Infantry "Peace & Justice" Brigade stated that the activity was led by Governor Jerry Uyami Dalipog and Brigadier General Rhenante M. Salvador, representing the Commander of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), along with other local officials and personnel.
During the signing, BGen Salvador emphasized the need for continued cooperation among stakeholders to prevent the return of armed conflict in the province.
“I commend the efforts of our security forces, particularly the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, for their tireless dedication in maintaining peace and order in your province,” relayed the 5ID Commander. “Their bravery and selflessness have been a source of inspiration to us all,” the Army official added.
In a separate report from the Ifugao Police Provincial Office (IPPO), attaining SSIPS serves as a powerful catalyst for economic and infrastructural growth in the province.
With this status, Ifugao can more effectively attract business ventures that create sustainable jobs, as business owners, investors, and tourists can visit the province with peace of mind.
Beyond economic benefits, the province is now considered an environment where development initiatives, basic services, and livelihood programs can be implemented without major security disturbances, all while upholding human rights and the rule of law.
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