14/09/2026
BAGUIO CITY DECLARED STABLE INTERNAL PEACE AND SECURITY; 501ST BRIGADE VOWS TO SUSTAIN GAINS, STRENGTHEN TERRITORIAL DEFENSE
BAGUIO CITY, 14 September 2026 โ The City of Baguio marked a significant milestone in its peace and security journey as the City Government, together with the 501st Infantry โValiantโ Brigade, Philippine Army, and partner agencies, formally affirmed the Declaration of the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS) during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony.
Led by Brigadier General Darrell R. Baรฑez PA, Commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade, and Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City and Chairperson of the City Peace and Order Council, the ceremony highlighted the collective commitment of government institutions, security forces, communities, and stakeholders to preserve the cityโs hard-earned gains in peace, security, and development.
A Pledge of Commitment was signed by representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), City Government of Baguio, national government agencies, and partner organizations, signifying their shared resolve to sustain peace, strengthen community resilience, and ensure a safe and secure environment for every Baguio resident.
In recognition of the cityโs leadership and contribution to the achievement of SSIPS, the 501st Infantry Brigade presented a Plaque of Appreciation to Mayor Magalong, acknowledging his leadership and the City Governmentโs sustained efforts in maintaining peace and order and fostering a resilient and progressive Baguio City.
BGen Baรฑez stressed that the SSIPS declaration is not the end of the mission, but the beginning of a stronger commitment to sustain peace and prepare for emerging challenges. โThe achievement of SSIPS does not mean that our mission ends. Rather, it signals a transitionโfrom 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,โ he said.
He further reaffirmed the Philippine Armyโs commitment to sustain operations in SSIPS-cleared areas while progressively strengthening its posture for Territorial Defense, ensuring that the gains of peace are protected and translated into lasting security and development.
The declaration underscores the power of whole-of-nation and whole-of-society cooperation. More than a ceremonial milestone, Baguio Cityโs SSIPS declaration represents a shared victoryโand a renewed commitment among government, security forces, civil society, and communities to protect the gains of peace, strengthen resilience, and build a safer, more secure, and more progressive Baguio City.
