Manila, Sept. 14 -- The collapse of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) leadership has set the stage for Northern Mindanao's declaration under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), military officials said Monday.

At the same time, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) appealed to remaining insurgents to surrender rather than face continued operations.

"The synchronized employment of the brigade's forces and specialized capabilities enabled government troops to effectively respond to the armed group's presence, sustain operational pressure, and prevent its attempt to establish a foothold in the area," Brig. Gen. Seigfred Tubalado, the commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement on Monday.

The...