PEACE AT LAST: Tabuk City officially declared insurgency free, 5 decades since massive NPA recruitment in Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The City of Tabuk has officially attained its “State of Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SSIPS) status after more than five decades since the massive recruitment of the New People’s Army in the province in the 1970s.

Being declared under SSIPS signifies that insurgency no longer poses a threat to an area, as it has been cleared of communist groups and is now relatively peaceful. Having met these standards, Tabuk City was formally declared under SSIPS by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on March 23 at the Tabuk People’s Gymnasium.

The ceremonial activity was highlighted by the blessing and unveiling of the SSIPS marker, symbolizing the “collective commitment of the city’s leadership, security forces, and citizens to uphold peace, unity, and sustainable development.” It was explained that the shield in the marker represents protection, resilience, and vigilance, while the diamond and circle inside the shield signify strength through unity and the continuity of peace achieved through cooperation.

Other symbols on the marker include a spear and head axe, which honor cultural heritage and embody courage and the iKalinga warrior spirit; a golden banner, which represents the “priceless” value of peace; the ginamat weaving design, which reflects unity and cultural strength; and the rattan border, symbolizing resilience, flexibility, and solidarity.

With Tabuk placed under SSIPS, the military has turned over internal security responsibilities to the Philippine National Police, allowing the police force to take the lead in maintaining peace and order in the city while the army assumes a supporting role.

5th Infantry Division Commander MGen. Gulliver Señires, who served as the guest of honor and speaker during the event, assured the public that AFP presence in Kalinga will remain and that he intends to deploy more military personnel to the Cordillera region.

“Trinansfer natin yung responsibility to the PNP, but rest assured, hindi po aalis ang army dito sa Kalinga. I will assure you that. Kahit po maubos na yung insurgents dito, hindi po aalis ang army dito sa Kalinga. Dadating po ang araw, sa haharapin po naming campaign, ay ang shift ng Armed Forces of the Philippines to external security operations. Dadagdagan ko pa po ang army dito sa Cordillera,” he said.