Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. joined provincial and local leaders in Sulu on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to formally declare the province under a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition — a milestone marking Sulu's shift from active conflict toward development, according to the Department of National Defense.
The declaration ceremony was held at the Capitol Gymnasium in Patikul, where officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to maintain peace and security in the province.
Officials Sign Twin Pledges to Protect Peace
Secretary Teodoro joined provincial and local leaders and security officials in signing a Pledge of Commitment to sustain Sulu's peace gains. He described the SIPS declaration as a landmark achievement for the people of Sulu, particularly for younger generations.
"Ito ang pinakamalaking regalo ng mga magulang sa mga anak natin at apo natin," the Defense Chief said, noting that armed conflict in the past had displaced families and disrupted the lives of children across the province.
Teodoro stressed that the nature of the province's struggle has fundamentally changed, saying the focus must now be on sustaining peace and pursuing development rather than on containing violence.
"Ang struggle natin is for development and to maintain stable internal peace and security," he said, underscoring the need for infrastructure, power, connectivity, schools, and basic services to lock in the gains already achieved.
Camp AKA Inaugurated in Luuk; Key Projects Launched
In a separate activity in Luuk, Secretary Teodoro joined local officials and stakeholders for the inauguration and unveiling of the Camp AKA Marker at the 1102nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army. Camp AKA is named in honor of the late Abdurahman K. Arbison, a former mayor of Luuk.
The Luuk activity also featured the ceremonial handover of the Camp ANA land title, the groundbreaking of key infrastructure projects in the area, and the recognition of distinguished Army personnel, the Department of National Defense reported.
AFP Transitions to Supporting Role as Agencies Take the Lead
Secretary Teodoro outlined the AFP's evolving dual mandate in Sulu now that the security situation has stabilized. He said the military must maintain visible presence and rapid reaction capability while simultaneously serving as a logistical base for sustained operations in the area.
"Two roles: Number one, to work with the local officials to maintain peace, security, and stability. Kailangan talaga ang visibility natin at presence natin, at ang reaction time natin, hasang-hasa," he said. "Secondly, to serve as the logistical depot for sustainable operations dito sa area."
The Defense Chief was explicit that the AFP has stepped back from its earlier lead role, with other government agencies and local government units now expected to deliver development and basic services to residents.
"We are in a support stage. Pero nung araw, may security concern, tayo nangunguna," he explained. "Ngayon naman, tayo naman ang mangangalaga para magawa ng ibang ahensya ng gobyerno [ang kanilang mandato], kasama ng local government."
Connectivity and Infrastructure Cited as Critical to Sulu's Future
Teodoro specifically identified connectivity as a key pillar of Sulu's long-term development, citing the need to secure critical infrastructure such as fiber-optic networks and power connections across the province's island communities.
He reiterated that infrastructure investment must accompany security gains, warning that allowing the province to stagnate after conflict could erode the progress already made.
DND Commits to Welfare of AFP Personnel and Veterans
Beyond operational matters, Secretary Teodoro outlined the Department of National Defense's commitment to improving the welfare of uniformed personnel throughout their careers. He said the Department is working to expand educational opportunities for qualified enlisted personnel and strengthen healthcare and support systems for veterans.
"So quality care package 'yan, magmula sa recruitment ninyo hanggang sa magretiro kayo. 'Yan ang pakay ng Department of National Defense," he said.
Teodoro also disclosed plans to establish a VALOR Clinic for veterans and a hospice care facility for retired personnel requiring long-term support. He called on senior non-commissioned officers to provide early intervention for personnel dealing with personal difficulties before problems escalate.
Teodoro Warns Against Complacency After Hard-Won Gains
In his closing message, the Defense Chief credited the people of Sulu for driving the province's transformation and cautioned against letting up on vigilance now that progress is visible.
"Dahil matagal na nating pinaglalaban 'to, ngayon kitang-kita na natin 'yung dibidendo. Pagka bumitaw tayo, mag-relax tayo, baka mawala pa 'yan. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang bantay, tuloy-tuloy ang tulong, tuloy-tuloy lang ang outreach sa ating mga taumbayan," Teodoro said.
Why This Matters
The formal declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security in Sulu represents a significant turning point for one of the Philippines' most conflict-affected provinces, signaling that the government considers the security environment stable enough for civilian agencies and local governments to take the lead on development. The signing of a multi-agency MOA among the AFP, PNP, and PCG institutionalizes the commitment to maintain that stability, while the groundbreaking of infrastructure projects in Luuk signals a concrete shift of resources toward reconstruction. Secretary Teodoro's warning against complacency underscores that sustaining the SIPS status will require continued vigilance, service delivery, and community outreach across the province.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Department of National Defense