LSN News › Philippines

World · Philippines Bureau

Sulu Province Officially Declared Stable After Decades of Conflict

Sulu has been formally recognized as achieving a state of stable internal peace and security following prolonged armed strife. The declaration marks a significant milestone for the southern province's recovery and development efforts.

LSN Philippines · 26 September 2026

PAGADIAN CITY — Sulu Province has been officially declared to have attained a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), marking a watershed moment for a region long burdened by armed conflict and security concerns. The formal declaration was made during a ceremony held at the provincial gymnasium on Thursday, September 24, and was formalized through Provincial Peace and Order Council Resolution No. 3.

The SIPS designation represents official recognition that the province has achieved sufficient stability in security conditions and peace-building efforts to support normal governance and development activities. The achievement follows decades of challenging circumstances that had hindered economic and social progress in the region.

The declaration is expected to facilitate improved conditions for provincial administration, investment, and the implementation of development programs. It reflects coordinated efforts among government agencies, local authorities, and peace-building initiatives to address long-standing security challenges in Sulu.

The formal recognition of stable conditions in the province is anticipated to support broader regional stability and development objectives in Mindanao.