SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao del Sur — The Philippine Army, local government officials, police and barangay leaders have joined forces to strengthen community security and promote lasting peace through the Balik-Baril Program conducted on November 4, 2026, in Sultan sa Barongis.
The initiative, led by Lt. Col. Raul P. Escat, commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, brought together key local officials, including Municipal Vice Mayor Datu Prince Al-Joffner M. Angas, who personally attended the activity.
Barangay chairpersons from various communities also participated, alongside Sultan sa Barongis Chief of Police PCapt. Solaiman Sandique, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts among the military, local government, police and grassroots leaders in maintaining peace and order.
The Balik-Baril Program encourages residents to voluntarily surrender loose firearms, particularly unlicensed and undocumented weapons that could potentially be used in criminal activities, personal disputes and other forms of violence.
By encouraging the surrender of unauthorized firearms, the initiative seeks to reduce the number of weapons circulating within communities and help prevent armed confrontations that could threaten public safety.
The participation of barangay chairpersons is particularly significant because of their direct connections with residents and their understanding of local concerns. Their involvement can help strengthen public awareness, encourage community cooperation and facilitate communication between residents and security authorities.
Beyond the surrender of firearms, the program underscores the importance of building trust and cooperation between government institutions and the communities they serve.
The activity also reinforces the principle that maintaining peace and security cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the military and police. Local government officials, barangay leaders and ordinary residents all have important roles in preventing violence and creating safer communities.
While the activity highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to address the proliferation of loose firearms, no information was provided on the number of weapons surrendered during the November 4 undertaking.
The Balik-Baril initiative in Sultan sa Barongis serves as another reminder that lasting peace requires not only security operations but also sustained community participation, responsible firearm ownership and collective commitment to keeping weapons out of the hands of those who may use them to threaten others.