TACLOBAN CITY, June 11 -- The island town of Tagapul-an in Samar province has been formally declared as free from threats of the New People's Army (NPA) due to sustained efforts for peace, security, and development.

The town's declaration under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) was formalized on Thursday with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) led by Tagapul-an Mayor Princess Kate Limpiado, Philippine Army 801st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Arlino Sendaydiego, and 14th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Esmeraldo Sumalinog.

The SIPSC declaration acknowledges the town's ongoing peace, stability, and lack of major insurgency or internal conflict, fostering a better environment for growth....