SULU, Philippines — Government troops recovered three firearms in a series of coordinated security and community engagement operations across the municipalities of Pandami, Banguingui, and Luuk from April 28 to 30, 2026, as part of intensified efforts to establish Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities (RFGPCC) in the province.
Military officials said the operations highlight a growing collaboration between security forces and local communities in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms and long-standing clan conflicts, locally known as rido.
In Pandami town, troops from the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, successfully secured the voluntary surrender of a caliber .45 pistol with a defaced serial number during the formal declaration of Barangay Parian as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community.
Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, battalion commander, said the firearm was turned over by a civilian and presented by Barangay Chairman Abdel P. Sitin, signaling community support for the government’s peace initiative.
Beyond security measures, the military also carried out community development efforts in the area. Personnel from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, under the 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion led by Capt. Xandra Lou S. Basaen, assisted in distributing agricultural seedlings and visited an Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) community farm in Barangay Lapak.
The activity, conducted in coordination with MNLF community leader Asmaulla Sahidulla Bairulla, included community dialogues and family-centered engagements aimed at fostering cooperation and promoting sustainable livelihood programs.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Kahikukuk, Banguingui, troops from the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion facilitated the turnover of a high-powered, home-made AR-10 sniper rifle without a serial number. The turnover was conducted during an Information and Education Campaign (IEC) with the support of local officials, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, battalion commander, said the initiative underscored the effectiveness of awareness campaigns in encouraging civilians to surrender unregistered firearms.
In a separate incident in Barangay Kan Mindus, Luuk, troops responded to a report of illegal discharge of a firearm linked to a land dispute. Acting swiftly, soldiers led by 1st Lt. Clent Mark C. Gaitera, in coordination with local police, barangay officials, and an MNLF community leader, apprehended the suspect and de-escalated tensions between parties.
Authorities confiscated a caliber .45 pistol with a defaced serial number and five rounds of live ammunition from the suspect. The land conflict was subsequently resolved through peaceful mediation.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, commended the troops and partner stakeholders for the successful operations.
“These accomplishments reflect the growing trust and cooperation between our forces and the communities. Through sustained operations and community engagement, we continue to reduce the presence of loose firearms while promoting peaceful conflict resolution across Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with local government units, security agencies, and community leaders to sustain peace, security, and development efforts across the province.
The recent operations form part of a broader campaign to dismantle the culture of armed conflict in Sulu, with authorities emphasizing that lasting peace depends not only on law enforcement but also on grassroots cooperation and community-driven initiatives.