October 29, 2024
BASILAN, Philippines — A disarmament event was held in Lower Sinangkapan, where a variety of firearms — from rifles to handguns — were displayed on a table as community leaders, uniformed officers, and residents gathered to mark a transformative moment. In an area previously marked by violence and conflict, residents voluntarily handed over a cache of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) to local authorities, in line with the municipality’s recent declaration of becoming a gun-free zone and a peace-centered community.
For years, Lower Sinangkapan has witnessed frequent violence fueled by the pervasive availability of firearms. This flow of illegal weapons has left the community vulnerable to clan feuds, insurgent activity, and the ever-present threat of armed conflict. But in February of this year, a pivotal decision was made. Under the leadership of Barangay Chairman Halim Saharin and community-based Early Warning Early Response (EWER) monitors, the village launched a campaign to transform Lower Sinangkapan into a gun-free zone, a bold step towards breaking the cycle of violence that has long plagued the area.
The Journey to a Gun-Free Zone
The inauguration ceremony of the gun-free zone was attended by over 300 people, who filled the community complex to witness the official declaration. Chairman Halim shared stories of lives lost and families torn apart by the unchecked presence of SALW, underscoring the urgency of the initiative. His message hit close to home, as many in attendance had experienced the toll of violence firsthand.
During the event, nine individuals participated in the gun turnover program, a testament to the shifting mindset within the community. In exchange for their surrendered weapons, participants received financial assistance and livelihood packages, part of an initiative by local authorities to incentivize peaceful change.
With the formal declaration, Lower Sinangkapan has become the first gun-free and peace-centered community in Basilan — a significant achievement in a region that has seen prolonged unrest. This milestone not only symbolizes hope for Lower Sinangkapan but also serves as an inspiring example for surrounding areas.
Uniting for Peace and Disarmament
The disarmament initiative is supported by influential figures such as religious leader Ping Kasim, Rose Women’s Group leader Jessica Abing, and Mayor Jhaber Kallahal. These community leaders delivered powerful messages of unity and peace, recognizing the symbolic and practical importance of disarmament in conflict resolution.
Lt. Col. Cyril Santander, Battalion Commander of the 18th Infantry Battalion, emphasized the broader scope of work still needed. He highlighted the importance of background checks on gun owners, research into gun-related crimes, and ultimately, a complete ban on assault weapons frequently used in local conflicts.
The Philippines ranks 25th globally in SALW possession, with an estimated 3.8 million legal and illegal firearms. The widespread availability of SALW not only drives violence but also imposes a heavy financial burden on local security services. In addition, the consequences of gun violence have gendered dimensions, disproportionately impacting young men who are often the primary perpetrators and victims, while leaving women and children vulnerable to gender-based violence.
A Step Towards Lasting Peace
For Chairman Halim, the initiative marks a new chapter for the village. “I have the courage to take steps to explain and help understand all the right and wrong ways of doing things,” he said. “The resolve to fight for what is right grew even stronger after I met one of NP’s [Nonviolent Peaceforce] staff, who oriented our youth and established EWER mechanisms in our community.”
The declaration has sparked hope in Lower Sinangkapan, with residents signing a large banner marking their commitment to becoming a gun-free and peace-centered community. The banner now stands as a visible testament to their collective resolve to build a future free from the shadow of violence.
A Broader Initiative for Peace in BARMM
This initiative is part of the ATTAIN Project 2.0, funded by the European Union, which aims to support nonviolent methods of conflict resolution, transitional justice, and reconciliation efforts across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Implemented by Nonviolent Peaceforce in collaboration with local partners, the project builds upon earlier efforts to normalize and stabilize conflict-prone regions within BARMM and beyond, contributing to the wider Mindanao peace process.
With continued community support and commitment, Lower Sinangkapan’s efforts may serve as a model for other communities across BARMM and the Philippines.
