ILIGAN City — Residents in nine areas of Misamis Oriental are set to benefit from stronger peace and security efforts after eight municipalities and one city jointly declared Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS).

The declaration covers Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, Initao, Libertad, Gitagum, Alubijid and Opol, as well as El Salvador City.

It was made Aug. 10, 2026, during the Handover of Area of Responsibility (AOR) Ceremony at the Provincial Capitol in Cagayan de Oro City.

The milestone reflects years of coordination among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, local governments, national agencies, civil society groups and communities to address security concerns and create a safer environment for residents.

Peace as a path to development

Maj. Gen. Marion T. Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said the SIPS declaration should mean more than simply the absence of armed conflict.

He said peace should allow people to live, work and pursue opportunities without fear.

“Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope,” Angcao said, stressing that peace gains must translate into tangible benefits for communities.

He also emphasized that security cannot be sustained by soldiers and police alone.

“No soldier, no police officer, no official can guard every street, every house, every mind. The strongest security will always be a united community,” he said.

Angcao said the declaration represents a renewed commitment among stakeholders to protect the province’s peace gains and turn them into conditions for sustainable development.

88IB takes over security area

The declaration coincided with the formal turnover of the military’s Area of Responsibility from the 44th Infantry Battalion (44IB) to the 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion (88IB).

The 44IB presented its completion report before the 88IB formally accepted responsibility under Lt. Col. Arnold M. Bautista.

The 88IB will now lead security operations in its newly assigned area while continuing to coordinate with the PNP, local governments, other government agencies and community stakeholders.

The ceremony was attended by Angcao, Brig. Gen. Seigfred C. Tubalado of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, Brig. Gen. Bernardo A. Taqueban of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Jeremy D. Damonsong of the 44IB, Misamis Oriental Gov. Juliette T. Uy, and representatives from government and community sectors.

The 4ID said it will continue supporting its units and partner agencies in maintaining peace and creating conditions for inclusive and sustainable development across Misamis Oriental.