LUUK, Sulu — A major milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace and security in Sulu was celebrated on June 20, 2026, as the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade commemorated its 7th Founding Anniversary with the declaration of the Second District of Sulu as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) and the ceremonial turnover of 186 recovered firearms.
Held at Camp AKA in Barangay Bual, Luuk, the anniversary celebration highlighted the significant gains of the Brigade’s peace and security campaign achieved through close collaboration with local government units, security forces, traditional and religious leaders, and community stakeholders.
The event gathered key government and military officials, including Congressman Munir M. Arbison Sr. of the Second District of Sulu, Western Mindanao Command Commander Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, 1102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, 1103rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Cabasan, Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Alex H. Gagula, municipal mayors from the Second District, military personnel, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.
The celebration served as a platform to recognize the Brigade’s seven years of service and showcase its accomplishments in supporting peace, security, and development initiatives throughout the Second District of Sulu.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation and turnover of 186 assorted firearms recovered through the Brigade’s RFGFPCC Campaign. The firearms included two 60mm mortars and one light anti-tank weapon. Military officials reported that 29 of the firearms were recovered through Law Enforcement Support Operations conducted in coordination with law enforcement agencies.
The firearms were formally presented by Lt. Gen. Gumiran and handed over to Congressman Arbison, symbolizing the collective commitment of government leaders, security forces, and local communities to prevent the resurgence of armed conflict and maintain peace across the province.
The program also featured the unveiling of the RFGFPCC marker and the signing of a Peace Covenant, reaffirming the commitment of stakeholders to protect and sustain the gains achieved through years of peacebuilding efforts.
Several military personnel were recognized for their exemplary service and contributions to the Brigade’s mission. Military Merit Medals were awarded to 2nd Lt. Marco P. Quimson and TSg Augusto Yugo of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, Cpl. Jhonsin Namoco of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, 2nd Lt. Jumer Guimbarda, PFC Jerald Almario, and PFC Rejeyven Loquiño of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion.
Plaques of Appreciation were likewise presented to municipal mayors and various stakeholders from the Second District in recognition of their unwavering support for the Brigade’s peace and development programs.
In recognition of the Brigade’s seven years of dedicated service, Lt. Gen. Gumiran conferred the Western Mindanao Command Plaque on the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade.
Brig. Gen. Delos Santos emphasized that the accomplishments were made possible through a strong partnership among local government units, security forces, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and communities.
“The declaration of the Second District of Sulu as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community is a testament to what can be achieved when local government leaders, communities, and security forces work together toward a common vision of peace,” Delos Santos said.
He noted that the recovery of 186 firearms without any violence during the turnover process reflected the growing trust and confidence of communities in government-led peace initiatives.
Maj. Gen. Peña praised the Brigade and its partners for sustaining peace gains in an area once challenged by recurring clan feuds, armed violence, and security threats.
“The accomplishments of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade demonstrate that peace is best achieved through partnership, dialogue, and community participation,” Peña said, adding that the RFGFPCC Campaign has become a model for addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting long-term peace and development.
Congressman Arbison described the declaration as a historic achievement for the people of Sulu, highlighting the unity demonstrated by local governments, community leaders, and security forces.
“The declaration of the Second District of Sulu as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community is a historic milestone for our people. It reflects the unity of our local governments, community leaders, and security forces in building a safer and more prosperous future for Sulu,” he said.
For his part, Lt. Gen. Gumiran commended the Brigade for its accomplishments and reaffirmed the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ commitment to supporting peace and development initiatives in the province.
He said the recovery of 186 firearms and the declaration of the Second District as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community underscore the effectiveness of collaborative governance and community-based peacebuilding efforts.
As it marked seven years of service, the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the gains of the RFGFPCC Campaign and strengthening partnerships with local government units, partner agencies, and stakeholders to advance peace, security, and development throughout the Second District of Sulu.
Military officials expressed optimism that the campaign’s success will further reinforce stability in the province and serve as a foundation for continued progress and development in the years ahead.