SIASI, Sulu — In a powerful show of growing trust in peace and security efforts, residents of Laminusa Island in the Municipality of Siasi voluntarily surrendered assorted firearms to the Philippine Army on February 1, 2026, signaling strong community support for making the island a gun-free and peace-centered zone.
The voluntary turnover was facilitated by troops of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion under the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, operating under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, in close coordination with local barangay officials.
Among the firearms surrendered were one M1 Garand rifle, two M1 Carbine rifles, one magazine, and thirteen rounds of .30 caliber ammunition. Military officials said the weapons were immediately turned over for proper documentation and legal disposition.
According to Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry Battalion, the surrender reflects the positive impact of sustained dialogue, confidence-building measures, and respectful engagement between soldiers and civilians.
“This development shows that our continuous efforts to listen, understand, and work with communities are bearing fruit. It encourages residents to choose peaceful and lawful solutions,” Dalumpines said.
The initiative was carried out in partnership with barangay leaders, led by Hon. Rashdi L. Maung of Barangay Tengah, Hon. Adekin P. Sarripudin of Barangay Kongkong, and Hon. Rodia A. Haddari of Barangay Puukan. The local officials played a key role in mobilizing residents and strengthening community-based peace mechanisms.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that every voluntary surrender marks tangible progress toward long-term stability.
“Each firearm surrendered is a concrete step toward sustaining peace. This reflects the importance of LGU-led initiatives, with the security sector serving as a partner,” Delos Santos said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, praised the collaborative efforts of communities, local leaders, and security forces in building lasting peace.
“True and lasting peace is achieved through trust, dialogue, and shared responsibility. This is a collective victory for the people of Siasi,” Peña said.
Military officials noted that Laminusa Island has been among the focus areas of community engagement programs aimed at preventing the resurgence of armed threats and promoting inclusive development.
The Philippine Army said similar activities will continue across island municipalities in Sulu as part of its broader peace consolidation strategy. These engagements seek to dismantle the culture of armed violence and replace it with cooperation, lawful governance, and social cohesion.
Residents who participated in the voluntary surrender expressed hope that the initiative would pave the way for improved security, better access to services, and greater economic opportunities for their communities.
As Laminusa Island takes steps toward becoming a gun-free zone, local leaders and security forces reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing peace through dialogue, partnership, and sustained community involvement—laying the foundation for a safer and more progressive Siasi.