Don Carlos, Bukidnon – The Municipality of Don Carlos, Bukidnon, has been officially declared as having Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) or “Insurgency-Free” following the approval of Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 001-2025 during its 121st Regular Session. The proclamation took place on February 25, 2024, at the Municipal Gymnasium of Don Carlos, marking a significant milestone in the municipality’s peace and security efforts.
The ceremonial proclamation was attended by high-ranking officials, including PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, alongside PCOL Jovit Lontac Culaway, Provincial Director of Bukidnon Police Provincial Office; PLTCOL Alfredo G. Ortiz Jr., Force Commander of the 2nd Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company; and PCPT Gregorio N. Lumba, Officer in Charge of Don Carlos Municipal Police Station.
Also present were Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Municipal Mayor Ma. Victoria L. Ontanillas-Pizarro, CPA, Municipal Vice Mayor Jude D. Almada, and DILG-Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza Abadilla. Representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) included LTC Gilbert F. Gomez INF (GSC), Commanding Officer of the 48th Infantry Battalion, BGEN Marion T. Angcao PA, Commander of the 1003rd Brigade, 101st Division, PA. Other local government and community representatives also attended the event, including Hon. Nicanor P. Tahuyan, IPMR, Hon. Christian Paolo A. Absuelo, SK Federation President, and Hon. Alexander Salvaña, LnB President.
The declaration signifies that Don Carlos is now generally unaffected by communist insurgency and has developed a robust internal security framework. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Local Government Unit (LGU), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Indigenous Cultural Communities, and various peace and development partners.
Authorities underscored that the success of the initiative stems from the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders in ensuring a secure and stable environment for residents. The move is expected to further encourage economic growth and development in Don Carlos, as peace and order play a crucial role in fostering investments and progress in the region.
With this declaration, Don Carlos joins other municipalities in Bukidnon that are striving to maintain a sustainable peace and security framework, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for its people.
