LUUK, Sulu — A high-powered firearm was voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Luuk, Sulu, on August 21, 2026, as the sustained implementation of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign continues to gain ground in the province’s Second District.
The latest turnover involved an M16A1 rifle voluntarily handed over by a resident identified only by the alias “Tating” in Barangay Tubig Putih, Luuk. The firearm was turned over through the joint efforts of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police (PNP), local government officials, and community peacekeeping representatives.
According to Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, commanding officer of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion (101IB), the turnover took place at around 8:30 p.m. after sustained coordination and community engagement in the area.
Troops from Alpha Company, 101IB, led by 1Lt. Clent Mark Gaitera, worked with personnel of the Luuk Municipal Police Station under PMaj. Jennifer Buco and representatives of the Barangay Local Government Unit of Tandu Bato. Mr. Arnold Janier of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) also assisted in facilitating the voluntary handover.
The M16A1 rifle was surrendered along with one short magazine and 18 rounds of live ammunition, according to the Army.
The latest recovery brings to 237 the total number of high- and low-powered firearms voluntarily recovered by subordinate units of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade since January 1, 2026, underscoring the continuing effort to reduce the presence of loose firearms in communities across Sulu.
Community engagement at the center of campaign
Mantes attributed the successful turnover to continuing engagement with residents and close coordination among the security sector, local governments, barangay officials, and community stakeholders.
Rather than relying solely on enforcement operations, the RFGFPCC Campaign promotes the voluntary surrender of firearms and peaceful mechanisms for addressing local disputes, particularly those associated with rido or clan-based conflicts.
Mantes stressed that the involvement of local officials is critical to the campaign because they maintain direct relationships with their constituents and are often in a position to encourage residents to surrender firearms peacefully.
He said stronger cooperation between communities and authorities can help build trust, reduce the circulation of loose firearms, and create conditions conducive to resolving conflicts without violence.
The latest turnover in Luuk therefore represents not only the removal of another firearm from circulation but also the continued participation of community members in efforts to strengthen peace and security at the local level.
Army cites growing cooperation
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, commended the 101IB, Luuk Municipal Police Station, local officials, community leaders, and residents involved in the latest firearm surrender.
Delos Santos highlighted the role of local leaders in sustaining peace, emphasizing that long-term stability requires cooperation among government institutions, security forces, and the communities they serve.
“Our local officials and community leaders are at the forefront of sustaining peace. Their active involvement demonstrates that lasting peace is best achieved when LGUs, the security sector, and communities work together toward a common goal,” Delos Santos said.
He added that the recovery of 237 firearms through peaceful means reflects what he described as growing trust and cooperation among communities and authorities.
LGU-led, community-based approach
The RFGFPCC Campaign is anchored on an LGU-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based approach, placing local governments and communities at the center of efforts to address rido, reduce the proliferation of loose firearms, and strengthen peace and security.
The approach recognizes that removing firearms from communities is only one component of preventing violence. Sustained engagement among local leaders, security forces, and residents is also intended to encourage peaceful conflict resolution and reinforce community-based mechanisms for maintaining peace.
For Sulu, where local disputes and the presence of loose firearms have historically posed security challenges, the continued voluntary surrender of weapons provides authorities with an avenue to reduce the availability of firearms while strengthening relationships with communities.
The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade said it will continue supporting local government units, the PNP, and other community stakeholders in sustaining the province’s peace gains.
The latest firearm turnover in Luuk adds another weapon to the growing number removed from circulation since the start of the year—and signals the continuing push by authorities and communities to make peace, rather than firearms, the foundation of security in Sulu.