Sta. Rita, Samar transitions from insurgency hotbed to town with Stable Internal Peace and Security

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 26, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The municipality of Sta. Rita, Samar, formerly identified as one of the hotbeds of insurgency in the province, was officially declared under Stable Internal Security Condition (SIPSC) during a ceremony held on May 25, 2026 at Sta. Rita Municipal Covered Court, marking another major breakthrough in the government’s peace and development efforts in Eastern Visayas.

The SIPSC declaration signified Sta. Rita’s successful transformation from insurgency-affected area into a peaceful and more secure community where government services, economic activities, and public initiatives can now fully thrive.

For years, insurgency-related threats hampered development initiatives, discouraged investments and affected the daily lives of the residents in Sta. Rita. Through sustained military operations, strengthened collaborations among stakeholders, and continuous implementation of development programs, the municipality gradually achieved stable peace and secured environment.

With the declaration of the town’s improved peace and security condition, Sta. Rita is now poised to unlock greater opportunities for economic growth, tourism development, and influx of investors, generating employment opportunities that will help uplift the lives of the residents.

Mayor Jascha Mae Tiu of Sta. Rita, described the declaration as a shared victory among all Sta. Ritahanon who chose peace, unity and cooperation.

“Diri ini naton maaabot kon waray an pagburublig han ngatanan – an aton kasundalohan ngan pulis, an aton lokal nga lider, mga opisyales ha barangay ngan sugad man katawhan han Sta. Rita,” Mayor Tiu expressed.

[Hindi natin maabot ito kung hindi dahil sa pagtutulungan ng lahat – ang ating kasundaluhan at pulis, ang lokal na lider, mga opisyales ng barangay at maging ang mga residente ng Sta. Rita.]

Brigadier General Pompeyo Jason Almagro, the Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade also described the declaration of Sta. Rita under SIPSC as a shared victory and a declaration of successful collaborative efforts of the government, security forces, peace partners and the community.

“Today, we honor not only the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition but also the sacrifices, the courage, and determination of every individual who became part of this journey…Salamat han iyo dedikasyon ngan serbisyo,” Brig. Gen. Almagro expressed.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army emphasized that the declaration is a significant victory in sustaining peace and development efforts in Samar.

“Ang deklarasyong ito ay hindi wakas ng pananagutan. Ito ay simula ng mas malaking pananagutan at pagkakaisa upang matiyak na hindi na muling magkaka-ugat ang karahasan sa ating mga komunidad. Tandaan natin na ang kapayapaang tinatamasa natin ngayon ay may katumbas na sakripisyo. May mga kawal, pulis, at sibilyan na nagbuwis ng buhay upang makamtan ang katahimikang tinatamasa natin sa kasalukuyan.”