CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — The 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, joined local government units and peace and security stakeholders in the Handover of Area of Responsibility Ceremony and Joint Declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) covering eight municipalities and one city in Misamis Oriental at Unity Hall, Provincial Capitol, Cagayan de Oro City, on August 10, 2026.
The declaration marked a significant milestone in the province’s continuing peace and security efforts, reflecting the collective commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, civil society, and communities in sustaining peace and creating an environment conducive to development. The municipalities of Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, Initao, Libertad, Gitagum, Alubijid, and Opol, and El Salvador City declared SIPS.
The activity was attended by 4ID Commander Major General Marion T. Angcao; Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade; Brigadier General Bernardo A. Taqueban, Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Arnold M. Bautista, Commanding Officer of the 88IB; Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy D. Damonsong, Commanding Officer of the 44th Infantry Battalion; and Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Juliette T. Uy, along with other military, government, and community stakeholders.
The ceremony also featured the formal handover of the Area of Responsibility (AOR) to the 88IB under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Arnold M. Bautista, following the presentation of the completion report by the outgoing 44th Infantry Battalion and the formal acceptance of responsibility by the 88IB.
In his message, 4ID Commander Major General Marion T. Angcao emphasized that peace goes beyond the absence of armed conflict, describing it as an environment where children can attend school without fear, farmers and fisherfolk can safely pursue their livelihoods, local governments can deliver services without disruption, and communities can move forward with hope.
“As one peace advocate said, ‘Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope.’ SIPS is our commitment to make that presence real in every corner of Misamis Oriental. The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, together with our partners in the PNP and other agencies, will stand with you. But let me say this clearly: No soldier, no police officer, no official can guard every street, every house, every mind. The strongest security will always be a united community. ‘Peace,’ they say, ‘is a daily decision.’ Today, as we declare Stable Internal Peace and Security, we decide together that we will choose peace and build on peace,” said Major General Angcao.
He further emphasized that the declaration of SIPS should not be regarded as the end of the peace and security journey, but as the beginning of a greater responsibility to sustain the gains achieved and ensure that peace and development are felt by the communities.
As the 88IB assumes responsibility for the area, the 4ID will continue to work with its subordinate units, the PNP, local government units, other government agencies, and community stakeholders to sustain peace and security and advance inclusive development across Misamis Oriental.
