Zambales steps into a new era of peace

IBA, Zambales — On a bright morning at the Balin Sambali inside the Zambales Sports Complex, local leaders, soldiers, police officers, and community representatives gathered not just for another ceremony — but to mark a turning point.

Zambales has officially been declared under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS), a status that celebrates how far the province has come in restoring calm, cooperation, and confidence across its communities.

The declaration, made on 28 November 2025, was accompanied by the ceremonial signing of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee Operation Plan “Sanib Pwersa Zambales,” a title that captures the spirit of the day: unity, teamwork, and shared responsibility.

Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said Resolution No. 4, Series of 2025, reaffirms Zambales’ SSIPS status and strengthens the ongoing partnership among the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the PACE program.

The 69th Infantry (COUGAR) Battalion of the Philippine Army led the joint attestation and declaration of support, underscoring the military’s continued commitment to keeping the province peaceful and secure.

Ebdane described the day as more than symbolic — it was a reminder that peace is a shared project. “This reinforces inter-agency collaboration in sustaining peace, stability, and development initiatives,” he said, emphasizing how national and local stakeholders remain united in pushing the PACE program forward.

Joining the governor in signing the Joint Declaration were Vice Governor Jaq Khonghun and Board Member Enrico Matibag, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Peace and Order Committee. Representatives from the PNP, PCG, AFP, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government followed suit, lending institutional weight to the commitment.

Northern Luzon Command Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Cesar A. Molina voiced full support for Zambales’ peace efforts, reaffirming the military’s pledge to “sustain peace, protect communities, and ensure that security gains directly support the province’s continued development.”

For Brig. Gen. Mario D. Jacinto of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, the declaration marks a milestone in Zambales’ long journey from conflict to progress.

“It signifies that the threat of insurgency has been reduced to a manageable level,” he said, “paving the way for stronger local governance, empowered communities, and sustained socio-economic growth for every Zambaleño.”

By day’s end, the message was clear: peace is no longer just an aspiration in Zambales — it is a lived reality, built through cooperation, perseverance, and a collective belief that the province can continue moving forward.

The declaration stands as a testament to Zambales’ resolve to preserve peace, strengthen law enforcement, and uphold good governance for the benefit of all Zambaleños.