PANDAMI, Sulu — The government’s intensified campaign to build rido-free and gun-free communities in Sulu continues to gain momentum as another loose firearm was voluntarily surrendered by local officials, bringing renewed support to peacebuilding initiatives aimed at reducing armed violence across the province.
The latest hand-over took place on July 6, 2026, when Barangay South Manobol Chairman Delfin Silbin voluntarily turned over an M1 Garand rifle with a defaced serial number to government authorities during a simple ceremony held at the barangay hall in Pandami, Sulu.
According to Lt. Col. Roy Dalumpines, commanding officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, the turnover was facilitated by troops from Alpha Company under the leadership of 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 firearm was surrendered in support of the sustained implementation of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign, a government initiative that encourages the voluntary turnover of loose firearms to curb armed conflicts, particularly clan feuds or rido, and strengthen peace and security in conflict-affected communities.
Dalumpines said the latest voluntary surrender reflects the growing confidence of local communities in the government’s peace and security programs.
“The voluntary hand-over underscores the increasing confidence of communities in the government’s peace and security initiatives,” he said.
He added that the development also demonstrates the strong collaboration among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and barangay leaders in addressing the proliferation of unlicensed firearms through peaceful and community-based approaches.
Nearly 200 firearms recovered in 2026
Military officials reported that the latest surrender forms part of a broader campaign that has already yielded significant results this year.
Since January 1, 2026, troops under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade have facilitated the recovery of 192 assorted high-powered and low-powered firearms through voluntary hand-overs under the RFGFPCC Campaign.
The recovered firearms are expected to help reduce armed violence, prevent rido-related incidents, and enhance public safety throughout the brigade’s area of responsibility in Sulu.
Authorities noted that the sustained campaign has become an important component of the government’s broader efforts to foster stability and encourage communities to resolve disputes peacefully rather than through armed confrontation.
Community partnership key to lasting peace
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, credited the campaign’s success to the growing partnership between security forces and local communities.
“The steady increase in voluntary firearm hand-overs reflects the trust and confidence of our people in the RFGFPCC Campaign,” Delos Santos said.
“Every firearm removed from our communities is a potential life saved and another opportunity to strengthen peace. This accomplishment belongs not only to our troops but also to our local government units, the Philippine National Police, our barangay officials, and every peace-loving Suluanon who continues to choose dialogue, cooperation, and the rule of law over violence,” he added.
The brigade reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the RFGFPCC Campaign through continued collaboration with local stakeholders, encouraging more residents to voluntarily surrender loose firearms while expanding community-based initiatives that promote genuine and lasting peace across Sulu.
Military officials expressed optimism that the continued support of local leaders and residents will further strengthen efforts to create safer, conflict-resilient communities and reinforce the rule of law in the province.