Hinunangan LGU vows to sustain peace, security, and development following SIPSC declaration

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 2, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, led by Mayor Ymard Joseph T. Tocmo, has pledged to sustain peace, security, and development in the municipality following its declaration under the Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC).

The declaration and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were held in a simple ceremony at the Municipal Function Hall, 3rd Floor, New Municipal Building, Barangay Labrador, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte on Wednesday, April 29.

Mayor Tocmo expressed his gratitude for achieving the milestone, noting that the municipality had previously experienced frequent sightings of members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), which caused fear among residents. He credited the Philippine Army for its crucial role in eliminating the internal security threat.

“Dati ay daanan ito ng mga NPA at marami talagang sightings sa lugar. Sa tulong ng Philippine Army, nawala ang banta ng kalaban. Ngayon, makakaakit na tayo ng mga mamumuhunan at uusbong ang ating ekonomiya sa Hinunangan. Bahagi ito ng mabuting pamamahala at tungkulin ng LGU na panatilihin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa ating lugar,” Mayor Tocmo said.

It can be recalled that five years ago, a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was killed by the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the CTG in Barangay Calinao while traveling to Barangay Upper Bantawon, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.

Despite the challenges, Mayor Tocmo reaffirmed his commitment to sustain the gains in peace and security through continued collaboration with the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other stakeholders.

He also called on Paterno Opo, a member of the dismantled Squad 2, Platoon 1, Island Committee LEVOX of the CTG and a resident of Hinunangan to surrender and return to the government, emphasizing that there is no longer any reason to continue armed struggle as government services are now reaching communities.

“Nananawagan ako kay Paterno Opo na bumalik na sa gobyerno. Ano ang kinabukasan mo sa kabila? Wala kang kalayaan. Dito sa pamahalaan, inilalapit na ang lahat ng serbisyo sa mamamayan,” he added.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army assured the public of its continued presence and commitment to safeguarding the municipality even after the insurgency-free declaration.

“Hindi po ibig sabihin na kapag naideklara nang insurgency-free ang isang lugar ay iiwan na namin ito. Patuloy naming babantayan ang komunidad laban sa muling pag-usbong ng impluwensya ng CTG, lalo na sa kanilang dating mga pinagtataguan. Nariyan po ang ating kasundaluhan upang tiyakin ang inyong seguridad,” the 8ID said.

The 8ID emphasized that the achievement is a result of the collective efforts of ground troops, local government units, and partner stakeholders.

During the ceremony all barangay chairpersons from the municipality’s 40 barangays, along with 805th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other partner agencies, also expressed their full support and commitment to sustaining peace and security.

As of today, 20 municipalities and cities in the province of Leyte have been declared under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security. The 8th Infantry Division continues to work closely with the remaining local government units to facilitate the declaration of the other 20 municipalities in the province.