PANDAMI, Sulu – The campaign to eliminate loose firearms and strengthen peace in Sulu reached a significant milestone after residents of Barangays North Manubol and South Manubol in the municipality of Pandami voluntarily surrendered another firearm on July 12, 2026, marking the 200th firearm recovered by the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade since the start of the year.
The latest surrender reinforces the Brigade’s ongoing Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign, a community-driven initiative aimed at reducing armed violence, preventing clan feuds, and fostering long-term peace across the Second District of Sulu.
According to Lt. Col. Roy Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, the formal turnover was facilitated by troops from the battalion’s Alpha Company under 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, in coordination with personnel from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and the Pandami Municipal Police Station.
The ceremony was held at the Barangay Hall of North Manubol, where Barangay Chairman Hon. Alimuktar Gonzalez voluntarily handed over one caliber .380 pistol with a magazine in support of the government’s campaign against loose firearms.
Military officials described the turnover as another testament to the growing confidence of local communities in government peace initiatives.
Third Voluntary Firearm Turnover from the Communities
Lt. Col. Dalumpines noted that the latest surrender was already the third firearm voluntarily turned over by the residents of Barangays North Manubol and South Manubol.
The communities had previously surrendered one high-powered firearm and one low-powered firearm, demonstrating their sustained commitment to disarmament efforts and support for the rule of law.
He emphasized that every voluntarily surrendered firearm represents one less weapon that could potentially be used in criminal activities, armed conflict, or clan feuds, while also strengthening public safety and community security.
200th Firearm Recovery Highlights Growing Public Trust
For Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, reaching the 200-firearm milestone is a reflection of the increasing cooperation between local government units, security forces, and communities across Sulu.
“The recovery of our 200th firearm reflects the trust and cooperation of our communities in advancing the RFGFPCC Campaign. Through the LGU-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based (LSC) Program, we will continue working with our stakeholders to strengthen the rule of law and sustain the hard-earned peace in Sulu,” Brig. Gen. Delos Santos said.
He added that the success of the campaign has been made possible through the active participation of local leaders and residents who have chosen dialogue, cooperation, and peace over violence.
Community-Based Peacebuilding
The RFGFPCC Campaign forms part of broader peace and security efforts in Sulu that encourage the voluntary surrender of loose firearms while promoting reconciliation, conflict prevention, and community empowerment.
The initiative operates under the LGU-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based (LSC) Program, which emphasizes close collaboration among local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and local stakeholders in maintaining peace and order.
Military officials said the campaign has contributed to reducing the circulation of unregistered firearms, which have long been associated with criminality, armed violence, and rido or clan feuds in some parts of the province.
Commitment to Sustaining Peace
The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum of the RFGFPCC Campaign by strengthening partnerships with local government units, law enforcement agencies, religious leaders, and communities.
Officials expressed optimism that continued public cooperation would help preserve the peace gains achieved in Sulu and support the province’s transformation into a safer and more progressive community.
The Brigade also encouraged other communities still in possession of loose firearms to voluntarily surrender them, emphasizing that peace and security remain a shared responsibility between the government and the people.