SULU, Philippines — A concerned resident of Barangay Bas Lugus in Lugus, Sulu, voluntarily surrendered an M14 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of live ammunition to the military on October 2, 2026, as the 1102th Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade continued its campaign to reduce loose firearms and strengthen community peace.
The voluntary turnover was facilitated by personnel of the 104th Infantry Battalion, including troops from its headquarters and Bravo Company, led by 1st Lt. Jaythron L. Dumaga, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Joelito L. Guanzon, the battalion’s commanding officer.
According to Guanzon, the resident, accompanied by Barangay Chairwoman Nursalima Asaali, formally turned over one M14 rifle, one magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition to the battalion.
The military described the surrender as another indication of cooperation between residents, barangay officials, and security forces in efforts to reduce the presence of unregistered or loose firearms and preserve peace in communities that have made progress in maintaining security.
The turnover forms part of the brigade’s Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign, a peace and security initiative designed to address clan conflicts, reduce the circulation of loose firearms, and strengthen local ownership of peace.
The campaign is anchored on the LGU-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based (LSC) Framework, which places local government units and communities at the forefront of peacebuilding, with security forces providing support.
Under Guanzon’s leadership, the 104th Infantry Battalion is continuing the initiative as part of efforts to sustain the peace and security gains established in Sulu. The latest firearm turnover also comes as the battalion carries forward the campaign under its new leadership.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, welcomed Guanzon’s commitment to continue implementing the campaign and maintaining its momentum at the community level.
“The strength of the RFGFPCC Campaign lies in the ownership of our LGUs and communities. Leadership may change, but our commitment to sustain the peace must remain. We will continue working with our local leaders and the people to preserve the gains we have collectively achieved,” Delos Santos said.
The brigade commander also said that the continued voluntary surrender of loose firearms reflects growing trust and cooperation among communities, local government units, and the security sector under the LSC Framework.
The 1102th Infantry Brigade said it would continue working with its subordinate units and partner stakeholders to strengthen community-based peace initiatives and preserve the security gains achieved in Sulu.
The latest turnover highlights the role of local participation in peacebuilding, particularly in communities where cooperation among residents, local officials, and security personnel is central to efforts to prevent conflict and reduce the availability of loose firearms.