11/10/2026
𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑 — The City of Catbalogan officially attained a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on October 7, 2026, becoming the 19th local government unit in Samar to achieve this significant milestone.
The declaration was formalized during a ceremony attended by Samar Province Governor Hon. Sharee Ann T. Tan, Catbalogan City Mayor Hon. Dexter M. Uy, MGEN PETER B BURGONIO PA, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, as well as local officials, security forces, and other peace and security stakeholders.
The achievement reflects the collective efforts of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, particularly the 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade, the 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, and the 3rd Infantry (Regardless of What) Battalion (3IB), together with the City Government of Catbalogan, the Philippine National Police (PNP), national government agencies, and local communities in strengthening peace, security, and local governance through the whole-of-nation approach.
With the attainment of SIPSC, the focus shifts toward sustaining peace gains, strengthening civilian authority, enhancing local governance, and preventing the resurgence of security threats. While primary law enforcement and internal security responsibilities will progressively be undertaken by the PNP and appropriate civilian authorities, the 3IB will continue supporting the local government and its partners through security coordination, information-sharing, community engagement, and other appropriate initiatives in accordance with their respective mandates.
The milestone underscores that sustaining peace is a shared responsibility requiring strong institutions, responsive governance, and active community participation. The continued partnership among the AFP, PNP, LGUs, national government agencies, and the people remains essential to preserving stability and advancing sustainable development.
As Catbalogan City joins the 18 other LGUs in Samar that have attained SIPSC, the 3IB reaffirms its commitment to protecting the gains of peace, strengthening community resilience, and supporting initiatives that promote lasting security and development.
Peace is not merely a condition to be declared; it is a shared achievement that must be continuously protected, strengthened, and sustained.