BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The city government of Baguio affirmed its commitment to sustain the gains of peace and security through the signing of a People’s Pledge of Commitment during the Monday flag-raising ceremony on September 14, 2026.
The signing followed the reading of City Council Resolution No. 709, series of 2026, which concurred with, adopted, and endorsed a City Peace and Order Council resolution declaring Baguio City under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS).
The resolution recognized Baguio’s stable and secure peace environment based on assessments and recommendations from the Joint AFP-PNP Security Council Committee. It also acknowledged the continuing efforts of the city government, security forces, government agencies, and communities in maintaining peace and public safety.
It cited the whole-of-nation approach under Executive Order No. 70, series of 2018, and committed the city government to continue supporting programs and initiatives that promote lasting peace, public safety, and sustainable development in Baguio.
BGen. Darrel Bañez, commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said the SSIPS declaration is more than a ceremonial milestone.
He described it as recognition of the collective efforts, sacrifices, and commitment of the local government, security forces, government agencies, communities, and other stakeholders in keeping Baguio peaceful, secure, resilient, and progressive.
“Peace and security are never achieved by one organization alone. They are the product of strong and sustained partnerships among the local government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, national government agencies, communities, the academe, civil society, the private sector, and most importantly, the people themselves,” Bañez said.
He recognized the leadership of the city government under Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, who also chairs the City Peace and Order Council, for its efforts in good governance, public safety, community engagement, and collaborative governance.
Bañez said the declaration represented both an accomplishment and a renewed commitment for the 501st Infantry Brigade.
“The achievement of SSIPS does not mean that our mission ends. Rather, it signals a transition from addressing threats to sustaining peace, from reactive interventions to preventive and resilience-building measures, and from internal security operations toward a broader posture that supports territorial defense,” he said.
Bañez said the Philippine Army would continue supporting peace sustainment, community resilience, civil-military cooperation, disaster response, protection of communities and critical areas, and preparedness for emerging security challenges.
He also emphasized the need to strengthen communities and institutions against misinformation, radicalization, violent extremism, and other emerging threats.
“As the Philippine Army postures for territorial defense, we recognize that security is no longer confined to traditional battlefields. It encompasses the protection of our communities, critical infrastructure, information environment, cyberspace, and national interest,” he said.
He assured Baguio City that the Philippine Army would remain a steadfast partner in preserving the gains of peace while maintaining readiness for the evolving national security environment. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
