SIASI, Sulu — Sustained community engagement and strong collaboration among security forces, local government units, and grassroots leaders have led to the voluntary surrender of several high-powered firearms in the municipality of Siasi, reinforcing efforts to maintain a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered community.
Authorities confirmed that the turnover took place on March 10, 2026, as part of ongoing peace and security initiatives in the province.
Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, commanding officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, said troops under his command facilitated the surrender of the firearms while operating under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, Philippine Army. The activity was conducted in coordination with the Siasi Municipal Police Station.
According to Dalumpines, the voluntarily surrendered weapons included one M1 Garand rifle, one M1 Carbine rifle, and one M79 grenade launcher, all considered high-powered firearms.
Local officials attributed the development to continuous dialogue and community-based peace efforts. Siasi Municipal Mayor Ben Sayeed Muksan said the surrender was made possible through the efforts of Barangay Chairman Mustadi Jalali of Barangay Duhol Tara and Barangay Chairman Badriya J. Abdulhudi of Barangay Luuk Tara, who worked closely with the local police to encourage the peaceful turnover of the weapons.
Muksan explained that the initiative supports the municipality’s ongoing Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community Campaign, which aims to address long-standing clan feuds, reduce the circulation of loose firearms, and strengthen peace at the community level.
He added that the surrender also aligns with the continued implementation of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), a grassroots mechanism designed to support the national government’s peace and security agenda by promoting cooperation among local stakeholders.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that voluntary firearm surrenders are a strong indicator of improving relations between communities and government forces.
“The voluntary surrender of firearms reflects the strengthening partnership among communities, local leaders, and security forces in sustaining peace and stability,” Delos Santos said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, underscored that such initiatives demonstrate growing public trust in government-led peace and security programs.
He noted that the increasing number of voluntary weapon surrenders across the region signals that residents are becoming more confident in working with authorities to ensure a safer environment.
The 11th Infantry Division, in close coordination with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and partner agencies, reiterated its commitment to supporting community-driven peace initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and sustaining long-term peace and development across Sulu province.