INDANAN, Sulu — The government’s peace-building efforts in Sulu continue to gain momentum as retooled communities in the municipality of Indanan voluntarily surrendered nine high-powered firearms, along with two mortar tubes and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher with warheads, in a strong demonstration of support for the government’s Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and its campaign for lasting peace and development.
The symbolic turnover took place on July 23, 2026, during the RCSP Convergence Activity held at the Municipal Covered Court in Barangay Pasil, Indanan. The event carried the theme, “Transforming Peace-Centered Communities into Partners for Stable Internal Peace and Security,” highlighting the growing transformation of former conflict-affected communities into active contributors to peace and nation-building.
The convergence activity was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Indanan, the 1103rd Infantry (Kalis) Brigade, and the 100th Infantry (Kalasag) Battalion, in close partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other national government agencies.
A Symbol of Lasting Transformation
Military officials described the voluntary surrender of the firearms and crew-served weapons as more than a security accomplishment—it is a clear indication that communities once influenced by armed conflict have embraced the path toward peace and development.
The turnover reflects the increasing confidence of local residents in government peace initiatives and their collective decision to leave behind the legacy of violence in favor of stability, unity, and progress.
Authorities emphasized that the surrendered weapons represent a significant milestone under the RCSP, which seeks to address the root causes of insurgency and conflict through responsive governance, improved delivery of basic services, and sustained development interventions under the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach.
The RCSP has strengthened cooperation among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the PNP, DILG, local government units, national government agencies, and local communities, enabling formerly vulnerable barangays to transition into resilient and peace-centered communities.
Military: Communities Have Chosen Peace
Brig. Gen. Emmanuel L. Cabasan, Commander of the 1103rd Infantry (Kalis) Brigade, said the voluntary surrender demonstrates that the government’s peace initiatives are producing tangible results.
“The surrender of these firearms and crew-served weapons is a testament to the success of the Retooled Community Support Program. It reflects how communities once affected by conflict have transformed into active partners in nation-building. This is a clear message that the people of Indanan have chosen peace, and together, we will continue protecting and sustaining these hard-earned gains,” Cabasan said.
He stressed that every surrendered firearm not only removes an instrument of violence from the community but also strengthens public trust in government institutions and security forces.
Mayor Jikiri: A Future Free from Fear
Indanan Mayor Albakil “Thong” D. Jikiri described the convergence activity as a defining moment for the municipality, saying the voluntary surrender of firearms reflects the people’s shared aspiration for lasting peace and inclusive development.
“This achievement shows that our people have chosen a future free from fear and conflict. By working hand in hand with our security forces and government agencies, we are building stronger communities where peace creates opportunities for development and a better quality of life for every people of Indanan,” Mayor Jikiri said.
He emphasized that sustained collaboration between local government, security forces, and community stakeholders remains essential in preserving the gains achieved through the RCSP.
Whole-of-Nation Approach Driving Peace in Sulu
The 1103rd Infantry (Kalis) Brigade commended the DILG, the LGU of Indanan, the PNP, national line agencies, the RCSP Core Group, and community stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to advancing the government’s peace and development agenda.
Officials said the successful convergence activity demonstrates how communities once marked by conflict can evolve into models of resilience, responsible governance, and inclusive development.
The latest voluntary surrender reinforces the government’s continuing efforts to transform former conflict-affected areas across Sulu into peaceful and progressive communities, proving that sustainable peace is achieved not only by removing weapons but also by empowering communities to become active partners in building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous 1st District of Sulu.