Palapag turns the page: After four decades of conflict, peace and development take root

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 18, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The municipality of Palapag was officially declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on Thursday, September 17, 2026, ending nearly forty years of armed conflict that influenced the daily life of Palapagnons for generations.

The declaration, accepted by Mayor Florence Batula before national, regional, provincial, and local officials, military and police commanders, barangay leaders, and residents, marks the culmination of a local peace process based on dialogue, government presence, and continuous engagement with communities once affected by insurgency.

“For almost four decades, peace in Palapag was a promise repeatedly pursued, but never fully realized. Today, we finally have an answer,” Mayor Batula said.

Mayor Batula credited the achievement to a broad coalition of military, police, emergency, maritime, local government partners, barangay leaders, the Sangguniang Bayan, and community members who quietly helped persuade former rebels to return to the law.

Mayor Batula mentioned that the municipality is beginning to see an increase in tourism and development, with growing economic activity indicating renewed confidence and opportunities for local communities.

As part of the SIPSC declaration, six firearms surrendered by Former Rebels (FRs) were also presented during the ceremony, symbolizing their decision to abandon the armed struggle and support the government’s efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in Palapag.

Mayor Batula also expressed her appreciation to the Former Rebels, recognizing their decision to return to the folds of the law and their continuing cooperation with government forces and local authorities in the pursuit of peace. She emphasized that their participation demonstrates how individuals who once became involved in armed conflict can become partners in rebuilding their communities and sustaining the gains of peace.

Mayor Batula emphasized that the declaration is a beginning, not an end.

“This declaration is not the ending of a chapter. It is the beginning of a more difficult period of sustainment. Our responsibility now shifts from achieving peace to protecting peace.”

She urged every Punong Barangay, SK leader, and community organizations to preserve the gains, continue dialogue, address grievances early, and protect young people from exploitation, warning that progress could still be lost if vigilance wanes.

The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) welcomed the SIPSC declaration of Palapag as confirmation of a comprehensive approach to ending local armed conflict in Northern Samar.

“The declaration of Palapag as stable for peace and security is the result of years of coordinated efforts among our troops, the Philippine National Police, local government unit, and the people of Palapag themselves,” the Division said.

The 8ID also commended the leadership of Mayor Florence Batula and the professionalism of the 78th Infantry Battalion, whose sustained, community-centered engagement helped rebuild the trust that security operations alone could never achieve.

It stressed that its units will stay engaged in Palapag during the sustainment phase, supporting the local government’s efforts to maintain peace gains, assist returnees in rejoining society, and ensure that development reaches barangays previously affected by conflict.