Jolo, Sulu — Government troops and local stakeholders facilitated the surrender and recovery of several firearms across Sulu on March 28, 2026, in a series of coordinated efforts aimed at strengthening the province’s push toward Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities (GFPCC).
The operations, led by the Philippine Army’s 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade under the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, were carried out in close coordination with local government units and law enforcement agencies, highlighting intensified collaboration to curb the proliferation of loose firearms in the region.
In Panamao, Sulu, personnel from Charlie Company of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, led by Capt. Elmer S. Dancel Jr., facilitated the handover of two high-powered firearms in Barangay Tubig Gantang. The weapons, identified as Ingram M10 submachine guns with defaced serial numbers, were turned over through the initiative of Barangay Chairman Yaser H. Jakarain, in coordination with Barangay Lunggang Asin officials led by Abdulajad M. Hajad.
Military officials said the turnover underscored growing local government support for disarmament efforts, a critical component in addressing long-standing clan feuds or “rido” and maintaining peace in vulnerable communities.
In a separate operation in Barangay Tubig Putih, Luuk, joint elements from Alpha Company of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, led by 1Lt. Clent Mark C. Gaitera, and the Luuk Municipal Police Station conducted a law enforcement support operation that resulted in the apprehension of two individuals and the recovery of two low-powered firearms.
Authorities identified the recovered weapons as a .45 caliber pistol with a magazine and a .38 caliber revolver. Reports indicated that the firearms had been used indiscriminately, prompting swift action from joint security forces in support of the barangay’s gun-free community resolution.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Lingah, also in Luuk, a significant development was recorded during the formal declaration of the village as a Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Community. A resident voluntarily surrendered an M79 grenade launcher, a high-impact weapon rarely turned over in civilian-led disarmament initiatives.
The surrender was facilitated through the leadership of Barangay Chairperson Raisa H. Rasad, in coordination with military personnel, further demonstrating increasing community participation in government-led peace programs.
Lt. Col. Ronald A. Borras, commanding officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, said the series of firearm handovers reflects the effectiveness of sustained localized peace engagements.
“These developments show that communities are responding positively to our peace initiatives, with local government units playing a crucial role in addressing security concerns at the grassroots level,” Borras said.
Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes of the 101st Infantry Battalion emphasized that the cooperation between residents and authorities highlights a shared responsibility in maintaining peace and order, particularly in areas implementing GFPCC programs.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, noted that the increasing number of voluntary surrenders signals growing public trust in government efforts.
“Community participation is essential in sustaining security gains and preventing the resurgence of violence,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, echoed the statement, stressing that the developments affirm the effectiveness of a whole-of-government approach in promoting long-term stability in Sulu.
The Philippine Army, through the 11th Infantry Division, said it will continue to work with local governments, police forces, and community leaders to expand the implementation of Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community initiatives across the province.