PANGILMA ESTINO, Sulu — Eight high-powered firearms were voluntarily turned over by concerned civilians on May 21, 2026, during the official declaration of Panglima Estino as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC), marking a significant milestone in the government’s sustained peace and security efforts in the province.
The symbolic turnover took place in Barangay Punay during a ceremony attended by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II, and key security and local government officials, underscoring growing collaboration between communities and authorities in strengthening long-term peace in the area.
According to Lt. Col. Ronald A. Borras, Commanding Officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, the surrendered firearms included a mix of high-powered and military-grade weapons: one M72 66mm Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW), one 7.62mm M14 rifle, two caliber .30 M2 Carbine rifles with drum-fed magazines, three caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles, and one Colt 9mm AR-15 rifle.
Lt. Col. Borras said the voluntary surrender was made possible through strong coordination among local leaders and security forces, particularly the initiative of Panglima Estino Mayor Benshar S. Estino and 2nd District Board Member Hji Sherhan Najar, in partnership with barangay officials and personnel of the Panglima Estino Municipal Police Station led by Acting Chief of Police PCpt. Bert F. Francisco.
He emphasized that the development reflects a growing culture of trust and cooperation between residents and government forces, as communities increasingly support efforts to reduce armed conflict and eliminate loose firearms in the region.
“The successful turnover of these firearms demonstrates the willingness of the community to participate in sustaining peace and ensuring public safety,” Borras said, adding that the RFGFPCC campaign continues to encourage civilians to surrender illegal or unlicensed weapons without fear of reprisal.
Brig. Gen. Alaric A. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, also lauded the initiative, praising the combined efforts of local government units, law enforcement agencies, and residents in advancing peacebuilding measures across the second district of Sulu.
Since January 1, 2026, troops under the 1102nd Infantry Brigade have recovered a total of 164 assorted high- and low-powered firearms through the sustained implementation of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community campaign across the second district of Sulu.
Military officials said the continued success of the initiative highlights a steady decline in armed violence and a strengthening of community-based peace mechanisms in areas historically affected by rido-related conflicts and loose firearms.
Authorities expressed optimism that the declaration of Panglima Estino as a peace-centered community will serve as a model for other municipalities in Sulu, reinforcing ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.