LUGUS, Sulu — In a landmark step toward lasting peace and inclusive development, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lugus formally established its Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) and declared the town a Rido-Free Community during a ceremony held on February 18, 2026, in Barangay Parian Kayawan.
The twin milestones signal a strengthened commitment to institutionalizing peace mechanisms and addressing the root causes of conflict in this island municipality in Sulu.
Leading the activity was Municipal Mayor Hon. Almedzar A. Hajiri, who also serves as Chairperson of the MTF-ELAC, alongside Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Hadar M. Hajiri, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and all seventeen barangay captains. Their unified presence underscored a collective pledge to sustain peace gains and promote stability at the grassroots level.
Representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police joined the event, reflecting a whole-of-nation approach to peacebuilding. Lugus has previously been declared a gun-free and peace-centered community, further solidifying its position as a model for conflict transformation in the province.
Institutionalizing Peace at the Local Level
The establishment of the MTF-ELAC formalizes a localized peace framework that harmonizes governance, security, and development initiatives. By creating a dedicated task force, the municipality aims to ensure sustained coordination among civil authorities, security forces, and community stakeholders.
The initiative aligns with the national government’s strategy of integrating development interventions with security operations to prevent the resurgence of violence and address longstanding issues that fuel armed conflict, including poverty, political rivalries, and clan feuds, locally known as “rido.”
The declaration of Lugus as a Rido-Free Community is particularly significant in a province where clan-based conflicts have historically disrupted social cohesion and economic progress. Local leaders emphasized that the declaration was not merely symbolic but the result of sustained dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation efforts among families and community elders.
Military, Police Back Local Leadership
Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry Battalion, highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue and unified leadership in preserving hard-won peace gains. He stressed that security efforts are most effective when anchored on strong local governance and community participation.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, underscored the critical role of community ownership in sustaining stability. According to him, peace initiatives are more durable when they are driven by local stakeholders rather than imposed externally.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, commended the leadership of the Lugus LGU, describing the declaration as a reflection of strengthened public trust and effective collaboration among government institutions and the community.
Toward Conflict-Resilient Communities
The 11th Infantry Division reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with LGUs, the Philippine National Police, and partner agencies to sustain peace mechanisms across Sulu. The formation of the MTF-ELAC in Lugus is seen as part of a broader effort to promote stable, conflict-resilient communities in the province.
For the people of Lugus, the declaration represents more than a formal recognition—it is a collective aspiration for a future defined by unity, safety, and development. As the municipality consolidates its peace structures, local leaders expressed hope that Lugus can serve as an example for other communities striving to transform from conflict-affected areas into zones of opportunity and progress.