LUGUS, Sulu — A growing sense of community trust and cooperation between residents, local leaders, and security forces is helping push the island municipality of Lugus closer to its vision of lasting peace, as civilians voluntarily surrendered firearms in support of the town’s declaration as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community.
The voluntary handover of weapons on March 16, 2026, marks another milestone in the municipality’s efforts to strengthen peace and security under the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), a program aimed at addressing the roots of violence and preventing clan conflicts that have historically affected parts of Sulu.
According to Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, soldiers working under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division facilitated the peaceful turnover of one Caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle and one Caliber .45 Taurus pistol from concerned civilians.
Dalumpines said the development reflects the success of sustained community engagement efforts by government forces and local authorities.
“This voluntary handover shows that communities are increasingly choosing peace and cooperation,” he said, noting that the initiative was carried out in close coordination with the Lugus Municipal Police Station.
Local leadership drives peace initiative
Local officials credited grassroots leadership for encouraging residents to support the initiative and build confidence in government peace programs.
Lugus Municipal Mayor Almedzar Hajiri said the surrender of firearms was made possible through the active cooperation of village leaders who helped facilitate dialogue between residents and authorities.
Among those recognized were Barangay Chairman Lino A. Asdali of Bas Nonok, Barangay Chairman Ibnokadil Ismael of Tubig Tuwak, and Barangay Chairman Saidali Abdulkarim of Larap, who worked closely with the municipal police to ensure the safe and voluntary turnover of the weapons.
Hajiri emphasized that such collaboration strengthens the municipality’s efforts to prevent armed violence and reduce the risk of rido, or clan feuds, which have historically contributed to instability in parts of Mindanao.
Strengthening partnership for peace
Military officials underscored that the handover demonstrates a deepening partnership between communities and security forces in maintaining stability across the province.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, said voluntary firearm surrender initiatives are a sign that trust is growing between residents, local leaders, and the government.
He noted that these partnerships are critical in sustaining peace, particularly in areas that have long faced security challenges.
“Voluntary firearm handovers are clear indicators that communities are actively supporting peace and stability initiatives,” Delos Santos said.
Peace built on trust and cooperation
For the military leadership overseeing security operations in Sulu, the latest development represents more than just the surrender of weapons—it symbolizes a community’s commitment to peace.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, praised residents for their continued cooperation with government peace programs.
Peña emphasized that durable peace cannot be achieved solely through security operations but must be built on mutual trust and collective responsibility.
“Lasting peace is achieved through trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility between communities and the government,” he said.
Sustaining peace in Sulu
The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, working closely with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and partner agencies, continues to support community-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening public safety and fostering development across Sulu.
Officials believe that sustained dialogue, community engagement, and the voluntary surrender of loose firearms will help prevent violence and reinforce Lugus’ vision of becoming a model peace-centered community in the province.
As more residents choose cooperation over conflict, local leaders hope the initiative will inspire other communities across Sulu to pursue similar efforts toward a future defined not by armed disputes but by stability, security, and shared progress.