SIASI, Sulu — Government troops and local officials successfully secured the voluntary surrender of a firearm following an indiscriminate firing incident in Siasi, Sulu, underscoring the continuing gains of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities (RFGFPCC) Campaign being implemented by Task Group “Ganarul” in the province’s second district.
Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, said troops from Alpha Company under the leadership of 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz Ebon immediately responded to a reported shooting incident in Barangay Tulling, Siasi, Sulu on May 28, 2026.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspect, identified only by the alias “Muksan,” a resident of Barangay Siondo, allegedly fired his weapon following a family dispute concerning the proposed marriage of one of his siblings. The gunfire reportedly caused panic and alarm among residents in Barangay Tulling.
Acting on the report, troops from Alpha Company, together with local officials and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) led by Barangay Chairman Hon. Ramil Ipa Ismail, immediately proceeded to Barangay Siondo where the suspect was apprehended without violence.
Authorities said the suspect peacefully surrendered one M1 Garand rifle along with one clip and three rounds of live ammunition.
Lt. Col. Dalumpines emphasized that the swift response and peaceful resolution of the incident reflected the strong coordination between security forces, local government units, and community leaders in addressing potential threats and maintaining peace in the area.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, commended the collaborative efforts of troops, local officials, and community stakeholders in de-escalating the situation.
“This incident demonstrates the importance of unity and cooperation among our security forces, local leaders, and the community in preventing violence and maintaining peace. Through the RFGFPCC Campaign, we continue to encourage our people to reject the culture of violence and support peaceful conflict resolution,” Delos Santos said.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade reiterated its commitment to intensify security operations, strengthen partnerships with communities, and support local government-led peace initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of violence across Sulu.
Military officials also highlighted the continued success of Task Group “Ganarul” in the province, reporting that since January 1, 2026, a total of 171 assorted high-powered and low-powered firearms have already been recovered in support of the government’s ongoing peace and security campaign in Sulu.
Authorities continue to urge residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and local leaders in promoting peaceful conflict resolution and preventing the proliferation of loose firearms in communities.