OMAR, Sulu — May 20, 2026 — A member of the Moro National Liberation Front (Moro National Liberation Front) voluntarily turned over a loose firearm to government troops in Barangay Capual, Omar, Sulu on Tuesday, in what authorities described as a continuing sign of growing community cooperation in peacebuilding efforts across the province.
The firearm was surrendered to personnel of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion under its Sustaining Internal Security Operations and Transition to External Defense Operations (SITE) Team during a community facilitation led by local officials.
Firearm turnover facilitated by local leadership
According to Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, the surrendered weapon came from Ahadi J. Bual, 60 years old, an MNLF member and resident of Bitinan Island, Capual.
The turnover was facilitated through Barangay Chairman Hon. Arsher Asmawil, in coordination with local peace stakeholders.
The surrendered war materiel included one (1) Colt caliber .45 pistol, one magazine, and two live rounds of ammunition.
Lt. Col. Mantes said the successful handover was the result of sustained community engagement efforts involving the Philippine National Police, barangay officials, and the local government unit, aimed at strengthening Omar, Sulu as a “Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community.”
Military highlights growing trust in communities
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, commended the voluntary surrender and underscored its significance in advancing peace efforts in the province.
“The voluntary hand-over of firearms by our brothers from the MNLF reflects the growing trust and cooperation among communities, former combatants, local government units, and security forces in our shared pursuit of lasting peace in Sulu,” Delos Santos said. “These efforts greatly contribute to the preservation of peace, stability, and public safety across the province.”
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to intensifying peacebuilding initiatives, community engagement, and firearm recovery programs in partnership with local stakeholders.
Sustained firearm recovery efforts in Sulu
The military said the initiative is part of the broader Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) campaign being implemented across the province in coordination with the Philippine National Police (Philippine National Police), barangay local government units (Barangay Local Government Unit), and municipal authorities.
Since January 1, 2026, a total of 155 assorted high- and low-powered firearms have been recovered through the campaign, reflecting what authorities describe as steady progress in reducing the circulation of loose firearms and strengthening local peace and order conditions.
Military officials said continued cooperation from former combatants and community members remains crucial in sustaining the gains of ongoing peace efforts in Sulu.