PATA, Sulu — A significant milestone in the government’s peace and security campaign was recorded on March 26, 2026, as troops under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade facilitated the first voluntary firearm hand-over in the municipality of Pata.
The development is being hailed as a breakthrough for the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, with support from the 152nd Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Company, as it signals growing community trust and cooperation in ongoing peacebuilding initiatives.
The hand-over was carried out through the joint efforts of Charlie Company, 104th Infantry Battalion, under 1st Lt. Robert S. Mantac Jr., in coordination with the 152nd CMO Company led by Cpt. Xandra Lou S. Basaen, and the Pata Municipal Police Station headed by Police Captain Villasor.
A caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle was voluntarily surrendered by civilians and formally presented by local officials, led by Barangay Kayawan Chairwoman Hon. Hja. Fauzia Jain, along with Barangay Kagawad Hon. Hussien Jain. Authorities described the act as a strong gesture of support for the government’s call to reduce loose firearms and promote lasting peace in the area.
Lt. Col. Dalumpines emphasized that the milestone reflects a positive shift in the local security climate, noting that the willingness of residents to surrender firearms demonstrates increasing confidence in government-led peace initiatives.
“This first firearm hand-over in Pata is a strong indicator of growing trust and cooperation from the community,” Dalumpines said. “We expect this to encourage more residents to voluntarily turn over firearms as our confidence-building efforts continue.”
The initiative forms part of the LGU-led, Security Sector-Supported, Community-Based (LSC) Framework, which places local government units and communities at the forefront of peacebuilding, with support from security forces. Under this approach, the 104th Infantry Battalion and its partner units have intensified engagements aligned with the brigade’s campaign for “Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities.”
Prior to the hand-over, troops conducted a series of community-focused activities aimed at strengthening grassroots support. These included participation in the Barangay Assembly in Barangay Pisak-Pisak on March 24, led by Barangay Chairperson Hon. Edris J. Islani, where peace initiatives and security programs were discussed with residents.
Soldiers also organized recreational activities at Kiput Elementary School, engaging Grades 4 to 6 students in games designed to promote unity, cooperation, and peace values among the youth.
In a separate activity, joint personnel from the 104th Infantry Battalion and the 152nd CMO Company provided security and joined the celebration of Eid’l Fitr at the Pata Municipal Covered Court. The event, attended by Vice Mayor Anton Burahan and barangay officials across the municipality, concluded peacefully without any reported incidents.
Local officials and security forces underscored that the successful firearm hand-over represents a positive turning point in Pata’s security landscape. They expressed optimism that continued collaboration between communities, local leaders, and government forces will lead to more voluntary surrenders and sustained peace in the municipality.
Authorities added that the initiative is expected to pave the way for stronger community participation in disarmament efforts, reinforcing the long-term goal of achieving stable, conflict-free, and development-oriented communities across Sulu.