SULU — Sustained security operations and strengthened cooperation between local communities, military forces, and law enforcement agencies resulted in the recovery and voluntary surrender of several firearms, as well as the arrest of a shooting suspect, in separate incidents across the second district of Sulu from May 7 to 9, 2026.
The series of operations were monitored and facilitated by troops under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade as part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace, reduce armed violence, and strengthen the government’s campaign for conflict-free communities in the province.
According to Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, troops from Alpha Company, together with personnel from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company and the Pandami Municipal Police Station, proceeded to Barangay Bud Sibaud in Pandami on May 7 to receive one voluntarily surrendered M79 grenade launcher.
The firearm was turned over by concerned civilians through the facilitation of Barangay Chairman Arashmier Abu Nasirin during the declaration of Barangay Bud Sibaud as a “Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community.”
Military officials said the declaration signified the growing commitment of residents and local leaders to end clan feuds, prevent armed conflict, and support long-term peace initiatives in the area.
In a related development, Lt. Col. Dalumpines disclosed that on May 9, 2026, another firearm surrender took place in connection with an indiscriminate firing incident that occurred on May 4 between the coastal areas of Barangay Hambilan in Pandami and Barangay Poblacion in Siasi.
The individual identified as Julmesil Aming Amilasan voluntarily surrendered one M14 rifle, four magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, and two magazine pouches at the headquarters of the 104th Infantry Battalion in Camp Muksan, Siasi.
Authorities said the surrender was part of continuing efforts to de-escalate tensions and encourage civilians involved in firearms-related incidents to cooperate with government authorities.
Meanwhile, a separate law enforcement support operation in Panamao led to the arrest of a shooting suspect following a fatal dispute reportedly involving stolen coconut fruits.
Ronald Borras, Commanding Officer of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, said troops from Charlie Company and the battalion Scout Platoon responded at around 8:00 a.m. on May 9 to a reported shooting incident in Barangay Bud Seit, Panamao.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Cesar Adjid, sustained fatal gunshot wounds after allegedly being shot by Jurmin Sadjari using an M1 Garand rifle.
Acting swiftly on the report, operating troops, in coordination with personnel from the Panamao Municipal Police Station, launched law enforcement support operations that led to the apprehension of the alleged suspect at approximately 10:00 a.m.
Authorities also recovered one M1 Garand rifle during the operation.
The suspect was subsequently turned over to the Panamao Municipal Police Station for proper legal processing, while the recovered firearm was placed under police custody for documentation and further investigation.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, lauded the cooperation of local communities, barangay officials, and partner law enforcement agencies in sustaining peace and security initiatives across Sulu.
“These developments reflect the growing trust and cooperation of our communities in support of our campaign for Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities. We will continue to work closely with the LGUs, PNP, and peace partners to prevent violence, enforce the rule of law, and sustain the peace gains in Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to intensify security operations, strengthen community engagement, and support peacebuilding initiatives aimed at preserving stability, preventing armed violence, and promoting a safer and more peaceful environment for the people of Sulu.