SULU, Philippines — Sustained peacebuilding initiatives of the Philippine Army in Sulu continue to yield tangible results, with two firearms voluntarily surrendered by civilians in separate municipalities on March 24, 2026—an indication of strengthening public trust and growing community support for government-led peace campaigns.
The firearms were turned over in the towns of Panamao and Siasi through the joint efforts of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion and the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, both operating under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald A. Borras, commanding officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, reported that at around 2:00 p.m., troops from Charlie Company facilitated the turnover of a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle in Barangay Puhagan, Panamao. The handover was made possible through the initiative of Barangay Chairman Faizal Yahsin, in coordination with local officials and the Panamao Municipal Police Station.
In a separate development, Lieutenant Colonel Roy R. Dalumpines, commander of the 104th Infantry Battalion, said that at about 4:00 p.m., an M1 Carbine rifle with a magazine was voluntarily surrendered in Barangay Bulansing Tara, Siasi. The firearm was presented by Barangay Chairman Saiyadi Ahmad at the barangay hall, with the assistance of Alpha Company troops and Civil-Military Operations personnel.
Military officials emphasized that the voluntary surrender of firearms reflects a significant shift in community attitudes, underscoring increased cooperation between civilians, local government units, and security forces.
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, described the development as a clear sign of the people’s growing confidence in the government’s peace initiatives. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to working closely with local stakeholders to sustain the momentum of programs aimed at establishing “Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities” across the province.
Major General Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, commended both the troops and local leaders for fostering collaboration at the grassroots level. He highlighted that community-driven disarmament plays a crucial role in consolidating peace gains and preventing the recurrence of violence, particularly in areas historically affected by clan feuds or “rido.”
The Philippine Army noted that these voluntary handovers form part of a broader, localized peace engagement strategy in Sulu, where trust-building measures and inclusive governance are being prioritized. Authorities say the continued support of communities is key to achieving long-term stability in the province.
Officials added that the increasing number of surrendered firearms signals progress in the campaign to reduce armed conflict, as more residents choose cooperation over confrontation—paving the way for a more secure and peaceful Sulu.