After decades of armed conflict, Sulu province has officially crossed a critical threshold — the national government has formally recognized it as a zone of stable internal peace, setting the stage for a new chapter focused on reconstruction, connectivity, and basic services delivery.
Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. presided over ceremonies on Thursday, September 24, 2026, where Sulu was declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition, according to the Department of National Defense. The declaration marks a fundamental shift in how the government will approach the province — from a security-first posture to a development-led agenda guided by civilian agencies and local government units.
Ceremony Held at Capitol Gymnasium in Patikul
The formal declaration took place at the Capitol Gymnasium in Patikul, where senior officials representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to jointly maintain peace and order across the province. Secretary Teodoro also co-signed a Pledge of Commitment alongside provincial and local leaders to sustain the peace gains Sulu has achieved.
The Department of National Defense described the SIPS declaration as a landmark milestone — one that Teodoro said belonged above all to ordinary Sulu residents, especially the young.
"Ito ang pinakamalaking regalo ng mga magulang sa mga anak natin at apo natin," the Defense Chief said, acknowledging that years of armed conflict had uprooted families and robbed children of stability across the province.
Teodoro made clear that the character of Sulu's struggle has fundamentally changed. "Ang struggle natin is for development and to maintain stable internal peace and security," he said, stressing that infrastructure, electric power, digital connectivity, schools, and essential services must now follow where security gains have already been made.
Camp AKA Inaugurated in Luuk; Land Title and Projects Handed Over
In a separate event held in Luuk, the Defense Secretary joined local officials and community stakeholders for the inauguration and unveiling of the Camp AKA Marker at the 1102nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army. The camp bears the name of the late Abdurahman K. Arbison, a former mayor of Luuk who is honored through this landmark.
The Department of National Defense reported that the Luuk activity also featured the ceremonial turnover of the Camp ANA land title, the groundbreaking of key infrastructure projects in the area, and recognition rites for distinguished Army personnel — all signaling a concrete pivot toward reconstruction and institution-building in the province.
AFP Steps Back as Lead Agency; Shifts to Support Role
With the security situation now assessed as stable, Teodoro outlined a revised mandate for the AFP in Sulu. The military, he said, must maintain a visible presence and sharp reaction capability while simultaneously functioning as a logistical hub for sustained operations in the province.
"Two roles: Number one, to work with the local officials to maintain peace, security, and stability. Kailangan talaga ang visibility natin at presence natin, at ang reaction time natin, hasang-hasa," the Defense Chief said, according to the Department of National Defense. "Secondly, to serve as the logistical depot for sustainable operations dito sa area."
Teodoro was unambiguous about what this shift means in practice: the AFP has stepped down from its earlier frontline role, with civilian government agencies and local government units now expected to deliver services and drive development.
"We are in a support stage. Pero nung araw, may security concern, tayo nangunguna," he explained. "Ngayon naman, tayo naman ang mangangalaga para magawa ng ibang ahensya ng gobyerno [ang kanilang mandato], kasama ng local government."
Connectivity Identified as Cornerstone of Long-Term Progress
The Defense Secretary singled out connectivity as one of the most critical pillars of Sulu's future, pointing specifically to the need to protect and expand fiber-optic networks and reliable power supply across the province's scattered island communities.
Teodoro warned that infrastructure investment must keep pace with security gains. Allowing the province to stagnate after the hard work of stabilization, he cautioned, risks reversing the progress that has been made.
DND Lays Out Welfare Commitments for Soldiers and Veterans
Beyond operational priorities, Teodoro outlined the Department of National Defense's broader agenda for the welfare of uniformed personnel. He said the Department is working to widen access to higher education for qualified enlisted personnel and to strengthen healthcare and long-term support systems for veterans.
"So quality care package 'yan, magmula sa recruitment ninyo hanggang sa magretiro kayo. 'Yan ang pakay ng Department of National Defense," he said.
The Defense Chief also announced plans to establish a VALOR Clinic dedicated to veterans' health needs and a hospice care facility for retired personnel requiring extended care. He urged senior non-commissioned officers to recognize and address personal difficulties among their men early, before those problems escalate into larger concerns.
Teodoro Cautions Against Letting Guard Down
Closing his remarks, Teodoro credited the Sulu people themselves for driving the province's transformation — and issued a pointed reminder that the dividends of peace can be lost through complacency.
"Dahil matagal na nating pinaglalaban 'to, ngayon kitang-kita na natin 'yung dibidendo. Pagka bumitaw tayo, mag-relax tayo, baka mawala pa 'yan. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang bantay, tuloy-tuloy ang tulong, tuloy-tuloy lang ang outreach sa ating mga taumbayan," the Defense Secretary said, according to the Department of National Defense.
By the Numbers
- September 24, 2026 — Date of the formal SIPS declaration ceremony in Sulu
- 3 agencies — AFP, PNP, and PCG signed a joint Memorandum of Agreement to sustain peace in the province
- 1102nd Infantry Brigade — Philippine Army unit at which Camp AKA in Luuk was inaugurated
- 2 new facilities planned — A VALOR Clinic for veterans and a hospice care facility for retired personnel
Why This Matters
The SIPS declaration in Sulu is among the most consequential peace-and-order milestones in the southern Philippines in recent years, formally signaling that the government views the province's security environment as stable enough for civilian agencies and local governments to assume the lead role in delivering services and driving economic development. The multi-agency MOA among the AFP, PNP, and PCG institutionalizes the commitment to protect that stability, while the groundbreaking of infrastructure projects and the turnover of the Camp ANA land title represent early, tangible steps toward reconstruction. Secretary Teodoro's explicit warning against complacency, however, underscores that the SIPS status is not a finish line — sustained vigilance, active service delivery, and consistent community outreach remain essential to preserving what has been achieved.
Source: Department of National Defense / breakingnewsnegros.com