Manila, Sept. 17 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division (5ID), has declared the entire Cordillera Administrative Region under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS), citing a significant reduction in communist insurgent forces and their capability to conduct violence.

The declaration was made during Thursday's full council meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council here.

Maj. Gen. Gulliver Senires, 5ID commander, said the declaration means threat groups in the region no longer have the capability to organize or conduct violent activities based on established criteria.

"The declaration of state of stable internal peace and security in the Cordillera signifies...