Luuk, Sulu – Peace and security initiatives in Luuk gained significant momentum on March 23, 2026, as residents voluntarily surrendered five firearms across multiple barangays, further bolstering the municipality’s Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Community campaign. The move reflects growing public support for lawfulness and community safety, officials said.
The 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, Philippine Army, in close coordination with local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), facilitated the turnover of two Cal. .30 M1 Garand rifles and one Cal. .45 pistol. These handovers coincided with the official declaration of Barangays Lambago and Kan Mindus as Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Communities, marking a significant milestone in Luuk’s peace sustainment efforts.
In a related development, two Cal. .45 pistols, along with two magazines and four live rounds of ammunition, were voluntarily surrendered in Barangay Tubig Putih following incidents of indiscriminate firing during the recent Eid al-Fitr celebration. The turnover, facilitated by Hon. Patta Bangalan, Barangay Chairperson of Kan Mindus, underscores the community’s proactive approach to uphold discipline and public safety after its earlier declaration as a Gun-Free Community on March 17, 2026.
Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, lauded the collaborative effort, highlighting that voluntary handovers facilitated by Hon. Arlene Utal of Barangay Lambago and Hon. Patta Bangalan, in coordination with the Luuk Municipal Police Station, demonstrate active community participation in sustaining peace and security. He emphasized that adherence to gun-free initiatives is crucial to preventing violence, reinforcing barangay-level security, and promoting a culture of responsibility and cooperation among residents.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops, LGUs, and community leaders for their unified efforts, noting that the continued surrender of firearms signifies trust and effective on-the-ground collaboration. He stressed that these initiatives are essential not only for internal security but also for strengthening the municipality’s overall defense posture.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, observed that the increasing number of voluntary firearm surrenders and Gun-Free Community declarations reflects growing public confidence and validates the effectiveness of whole-of-government efforts in securing peace in Sulu.
With more barangays stepping forward in support of disarmament and peace initiatives, Luuk continues to build strong momentum toward a safer, more stable, and resilient environment grounded in trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility.