Peace prevails in Basey; Municipality declared stable, insurgency loses ground

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 4, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The municipality of Basey, Samar has formally been declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) during a ceremony held at the Covered Court of Barangay Mercado, Basey, Samar on August 27, 2026.

The declaration marks a significant milestone in Basey’s continuing journey toward lasting peace, stability, and development. The municipality was once among the areas in Samar that had long been threatened and abused by New People’s Army (NPA) posing great risks to the safety, security, and development of the local communities.

The SIPSC declaration is envisioned to provide the municipality of Basey the opportunity to further strengthen governance, accelerate the delivery of basic services, attract investments, create livelihood opportunities and a more secure environment where communities can pursue development without fear of armed conflict.

In his message, Basey Municipal Mayor Luz Chu-Ponferrada underscored that the achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of the provincial, municipal, and barangay local governments, security forces, national government partners, and other stakeholders. More importantly it is a testament to the resolve of the people of Basey to reject violence.

“Maintaining peace is a never-ending responsibility, which is shared not only by our uniformed personnel and the local government units but also by the stakeholders, ensuring that no community is left behind in terms of basic services no matter how remote the area,” Mayor Ponferrada stated.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army lauded the people and local government of Basey for their collective efforts in achieving the SIPSC declaration, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be sustained through a whole-of-nation approach.