TACLOBAN CITY, July 9 -- The Northern Samar provincial government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace gains following the declaration of the province's 16 towns as insurgency-free.

In a statement Thursday, Governor Harris Ongchuan said lasting peace requires the collective commitment of government agencies, local government units, security forces, and communities.

"Peace is sustained through shared responsibility, genuine collaboration, and unwavering commitment to public service," Ongchuan said.

All 14 towns in the first congressional district and the municipalities of Laoang and San Roque attained a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) status. The declaration was formalized through the signing of a memor...