Gamay joins 19 Northern Samar towns under SIPSC as CTG influence wanes

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 20, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Another community in Northern Samar has moved decisively away from the shadow of armed conflict as the municipality of Gamay was officially declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on Friday, September 18, 2026, becoming the 19th municipality in the province to attain the milestone.

The declaration marks more than an improvement in local security. It reflects the continuing contraction of the operating environment of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in Northern Samar, as communities increasingly reject armed conflict and gain greater space to pursue government services, livelihoods, investments, and development.

For the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), the growing number of municipalities attaining SIPSC demonstrates the importance of sustained cooperation among local governments, communities, security forces, and national government agencies in preventing the resurgence of armed-group influence.

As more communities achieve and sustain stable peace, CTGs face fewer opportunities to establish influence, recruit members, obtain support, and disrupt the delivery of government programs.

For Gamay, the significance of SIPSC is ultimately measured not by the absence of armed encounters, but by what peace allows its people to do.

Mayor Timoteo Capoquian Jr., who experienced an ambush by members of the New People’s Army in 2008, knows firsthand the cost of insecurity.

“Peace is not just a word. Peace is not just a government program. Peace is not just the absence of armed encounters. Peace is being able to live without fear,” Capoquian said.

He emphasized that the declaration should be viewed as the beginning of a new phase for the municipality.

“This declaration is not the end. It is a beginning,” he said, stressing that peace must translate into opportunities, development, and better lives for the people.

With its SIPSC status, Gamay is positioned to further consolidate its security gains and channel greater attention and resources toward the concerns that directly affect its people – including basic services, livelihood and economic opportunities, education, infrastructure, youth development, and barangay-level initiatives.

The 8ID emphasized that sustaining peace requires more than security operations. It requires ensuring that communities experience tangible improvements that reinforce their confidence in peaceful and lawful means of addressing their concerns.

A stable security environment likewise creates greater space for farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and families to pursue their activities without the disruption and uncertainty associated with armed conflict.

With 19 out of 24 municipalities of Northern Samar now under SIPSC, the province continues to expand spaces for peace, governance, and development, while further constraining the CTG’s ability to operate, recruit, and influence communities.