A swift and coordinated law enforcement support operation by troops of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade resulted in the apprehension of a shooting suspect and the surrender of a loose firearm following a shooting incident in Pandami, Sulu on May 23, 2026.
According to Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, commanding officer of the 104th Infantry Battalion, personnel from Alpha Company led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon immediately responded to a reported shooting incident in Sitio Button, Barangay Siganggang, Pandami, in close coordination with the Pandami Municipal Police Station (MPS).
Initial investigation revealed that the suspect, identified only by the alias “Ben,” allegedly opened fire after a misunderstanding involving a cow tied near a resident’s house. Authorities said the conflict escalated after the rope restraining the animal was reportedly cut, triggering the suspect to indiscriminately fire his weapon within the community.
In response, troops from the battalion’s Scout Platoon under the leadership of 2nd Lt. Brix Jones B. Laging, together with police personnel from Pandami MPS, launched law enforcement security operations that eventually led to the suspect’s surrender and apprehension through coordinated negotiations with local authorities and community stakeholders.
Military and police personnel later facilitated the voluntary surrender of one M1 Garand rifle along with five rounds of live ammunition at the Headquarters of the 104th Infantry Battalion in Camp Muksan, Barangay East Kuntad, Siasi, Sulu.
Lt. Col. Dalumpines emphasized that the successful operation underscored the effectiveness of the military’s ongoing Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign in preventing local disputes from escalating into armed violence.
“This accomplishment reflects the strong cooperation among the military, police, local leaders, and the community under our RFGFPCC Campaign. Through sustained collaboration and immediate response, we were able to prevent further violence and encourage the voluntary surrender of loose firearms,” Dalumpines said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, commended the troops and stakeholders involved in the operation and reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining peace and security initiatives across Sulu.
“The RFGFPCC Campaign continues to prove that peace and security can be achieved through unity, political will, and community cooperation. We will continue to intensify our efforts to recover loose firearms and resolve conflicts peacefully to sustain the gains of peace in Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
Authorities said the operation forms part of the continuing efforts of Task Group “Ganarul” to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives in the province through sustained security operations, close coordination with local stakeholders, and community-based conflict resolution programs aimed at curbing violence and illegal firearms in vulnerable communities.