Ang Pahayagan

PALAYAN CITY— The Province of Nueva Ecija has officially achieved a major peace milestone after being declared under the Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) Stage, marking its full transition into a province free from major internal security threats and communist insurgency.

In a statement released on Friday, October 31, 2025, the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and declaration was held on October 29, 2025, at the Sierra Madre Suite, Palayan City, led by the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade under Brigadier General Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, Philippine Army Commander.

This declaration underscores Nueva Ecija’s firm commitment to maintaining peace, order, and development, achieved through the strong partnership between the Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija, local government units (LGUs), law enforcement agencies, and the community. The province’s SIPS status was earlier confirmed through Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025, dated June 20, 2025.

The ceremony was graced by top military and civilian officials, including Lieutenant General Aristotle D. Gonzales, Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM); Brigadier General Mario D. Jacinto, Assistant Division Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, representing Major General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte; and Police Colonel Reynaldo S. Ogay Jr., Deputy for Operations, representing Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio L. Penones Jr., Director of PRO3.

Also present were Lieutenant Colonel Aries A. Quinto, Commanding Officer of the 91st Infantry Battalion, and Lieutenant Colonel Romy P. Andres, Commanding Officer of the 84th Infantry Battalion.

Representing the provincial government were Acting Governor Gil Raymond C. Umali, Provincial Administrator Atty. Jose Maria Caesar C. San Pedro, and Mr. Danilo C. Rillera, Cluster Team Leader of DILG Nueva Ecija, representing Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose, CESO III, of DILG Region III.

In his message, Brig. Gen. Osias IV expressed his deep appreciation to the Novo Ecijanos for their steadfast support of the government’s peace and development initiatives.

“This achievement is not just a military success—it is a victory for every peace-loving Novo Ecijano. It embodies our shared resolve to uphold peace, sustain progress, and secure lasting development for Nueva Ecija,” he said.

The event culminated with the reading, unveiling, and signing of the SIPS Marker, symbolizing the province’s strengthened commitment to peace and security.

The official declaration of Nueva Ecija under the Stable Internal Peace and Security Stage marks a new chapter in the province’s history—one that ensures the preservation of peace gains, promotes inclusive growth, and upholds the vision of a peaceful and progressive Nueva Ecija for all Novo Ecijanos. (Jason de Asis)

TOP📸: Nueva Ecija has officially been declared under the Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) Stage, marking a historic milestone in its journey toward lasting peace and progress. The declaration highlights the province’s united efforts with the military, police, and local leaders to sustain peace, stability, and development for all Novo Ecijanos. (Jason de Asis)