Omar, Sulu — The Municipality of Omar recorded successive voluntary firearm surrenders on January 27 and 28, 2026, underscoring growing community support for its campaign to become a Gun-Free Municipality and reinforcing ongoing peace and security initiatives led by the military, police, and local government.
On January 27, barangay officials voluntarily turned over one M1 Garand rifle and two .38 caliber revolvers with seven rounds of ammunition to troops of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion. The surrender was facilitated by the Barangay Local Government Units and involved Hon. Rajabon Abun, Barangay Chairman of Tangkuan, and Hon. Harun Adjak, Barangay Chairman of Andalan. The initiative formed part of sustained dialogues aimed at eliminating loose firearms in the municipality, with strong backing from the Municipal Government under Mayor Abdulbaki Ajibon.
The momentum continued the following day, January 28, when another voluntary turnover was conducted in Barangay Niangkaan. Troops of the 101st Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, together with the Omar Municipal Police Station, received one M1 Garand rifle, one .45 caliber pistol, and one .38 caliber revolver. The turnover was facilitated by Hon. Nurdin E. Jana, Barangay Chairman of Angilan, and Hon. Juddin Nhur Pantasan, Vice Mayor of Omar.
Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, said the back-to-back surrenders reflect the effectiveness of sustained dialogue and trust-building with local leaders. “Each voluntary surrender brings Omar closer to achieving Gun-Free status,” he said, noting that community cooperation remains a decisive factor in maintaining peace and order.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that community-led actions are crucial in advancing public safety and security, while Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, highlighted that the initiative demonstrates strengthening government–community collaboration and growing public confidence in peace efforts across the province.
The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, in coordination with partner agencies and local government units, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives that promote public safety, strengthen local governance, and sustain lasting peace and stability in Sulu.