MANILA, Philippines — The municipality of Upi in Maguindanao del Norte in this region has been declared insurgency-free after attaining Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.
Local leaders have attributed this milestone to sustained collaboration among the national government, security forces, local communities and international development partners.
The declaration of Upi as an insurgency-free town is considered a major breakthrough in the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), highlighting progress in ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
This comes after Malacanang continues to reaffirm its commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process, while development interventions supported by the government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) seek to strengthen security and economic opportunities in conflict-affected communities.
Among the initiatives cited during the declaration ceremony was the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE) Project, a Japan-funded UNDP program that promotes small arms and light weapons (SALW) management alongside peacebuilding and livelihood interventions.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently assured the Bangsamoro leaders of the national government's commitment to sustaining peace gains in the region.
“I assure the BTA (Bangsamoro Transition Authority) and all the Bangsamoro people of this administration's full and unwavering commitment to the peace process and the BARMM,” Marcos said.
Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. likewise underscored this, giving continued cooperation among stakeholders to sustain stability in the region.
“The progress we have seen in BARMM is a product of cooperation, trust, and shared vision," Lagdameo said.
"The national government and the President remains fully supportive of the region's transition efforts, and we look forward to deeper collaboration to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos in the Bangsamoro,” he added.
Upi Mayor Ma. Rona Cristina Piang-Flores described the declaration as the result of years of collective effort to build a safer and more productive community.
“Today not only marks the culmination of this meaningful program, but the beginning of bigger opportunities and renewed hope for every family and the community in Upi," Flores said.
"Over the past three years, the ASPIRE Project demonstrated the power of partnership, commitment, and shared responsibility toward building a safe, productive, and peaceful community,” he added.
Under the ASPIRE Project, SALW management initiatives were implemented in Upi beginning in November 2024.
The program facilitated the registration of 648 firearms, including 490 voluntarily surrendered weapons and 158 stenciled firearms, reflecting increased community participation in local peacebuilding efforts.
Agriculture remains a major source of livelihood in Upi, which is home to Moro, Indigenous Peoples, and Settler communities.
As part of the program, participating firearm owners received livelihood assistance, including farm equipment, agricultural inputs, carpentry and sewing tools, motorcycles and other income-generating support.
The municipal government also received agricultural machinery and transport equipment intended to support local development initiatives.
Bangsamoro leaders who attended the ceremony said the experience in Upi demonstrates how security measures can be reinforced through community engagement and economic assistance.
BTA Member Ramon Piang Sr. expressed hope that similar interventions could be expanded across the region.
“I hope that ASPIRE will be replicated throughout BARMM. I also acknowledge the community members who voluntarily turned in their weapons," Piang said.
"One message is clear: you want a peaceful life. After years of witnessing violence, we want peace as we navigate the ongoing peace process in the region,” he added.
Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Datu Tucao Mastura said the initiative showed how development programs can complement security efforts in conflict-affected communities.
Representing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's Joint Normalization Committee, Head of Secretariat Aliudin Harron emphasized that lasting peace requires inclusive governance and access to economic opportunities.
“Reaching this level of peace was only possible because every sector stepped up and contributed. We've seen that peace becomes much more stable and lasting when it is built on a foundation of livelihoods, education, essential services, and a government that includes everyone,” Harron said.
Officials said Upi's insurgency-free declaration illustrates how disarmament efforts, livelihood support, and collaboration among local, national and international stakeholders can contribute
The declaration ceremony was attended by representatives from the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the Police Regional Office-BARMM, the Joint Peace and Security Committee, the Joint Normalization Committee, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, local government officials, and community leaders.
