SULU, Philippines — Sustained peacebuilding initiatives of the Philippine Army continue to yield significant gains in Sulu, as civilians voluntarily turned over high-powered firearms in the municipalities of Luuk and Tapul on March 25, 2026—an encouraging sign of growing public trust and strengthened collaboration among security forces, local governments, and communities.
The developments were spearheaded by troops from the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion and the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, operating under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division.
In Luuk, Sulu, Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, reported that at around 9:30 a.m., personnel from Alpha Company led by 1st Lt. Clent Mark C. Gaitera, in coordination with the Luuk Municipal Police Station, facilitated the voluntary turnover of one M1 Carbine rifle, along with a magazine and five rounds of live ammunition. The turnover took place in Barangay Bual and was made possible through the initiative of Barangay Chairman Simar U. Isnirul.
Mantes emphasized that the act reflects the community’s increasing support for the government’s push to establish Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Communities. He underscored that the cooperation among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units (LGUs), and grassroots stakeholders has been instrumental in fostering trust and encouraging civilians to take part in disarmament efforts.
In a separate operation in Tapul, Sulu, Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry Battalion, disclosed that at about 12:30 p.m., troops from Bravo Company led by 1st Lt. Jaythron Dumaga, together with the Tapul Municipal Police Station, facilitated another voluntary surrender of firearms in Barangay Banting.
The turnover included two M1 Garand rifles and one 40mm M203 grenade launcher—classified as high-powered weapons. The firearms were formally presented by local leaders, including Barangay Chairpersons Manon A. Haradji of Banting, Montasir A. Abdulla of Kanaway, and Jalaluddin H. Isirani of Puok, signaling a unified stance among local officials in advancing peace and disarmament initiatives.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, commended the continued cooperation of residents and stakeholders, noting that such actions are clear indicators of the people’s confidence in the government’s peace programs. He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining efforts toward achieving Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities across Sulu.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, lauded the troops and partner agencies for their sustained engagement with communities. He stressed that the increasing number of voluntary firearm surrenders highlights the effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of conflict, strengthening internal security, and paving the way for a transition toward external defense priorities.
The series of voluntary turnovers marks a continuing shift in Sulu’s security landscape, as communities take a more active role in promoting peace, stability, and resilience in the province long challenged by armed conflict.