CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 22 -- The Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) expects complete cessation of active communist rebel activities within its Areas of Responsibility (AOR) following the recent declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Caraga Region.

4ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao said SIPS demonstrates an interagency mechanism to coordinate with communities that would yield remnants of the New People's Army (NPA) either through military operations or surrenders.

"Following the successful declaration of SIPS across the entire Caraga Region, we are determined to sustain the momentum of our peace efforts in Northern Mindanao," he said in an interview.

SIPS is an official designation conferred by th...