KALINGALAN CALUANG, Sulu — In a significant development for grassroots peacebuilding in the province, Barangay Masjid Bayle was formally declared a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community on February 28, 2026 — the first barangay in the municipality to achieve the designation.
The declaration marks a major milestone in the local government’s continuing peace governance campaign aimed at transforming the entire municipality into a conflict-free area. Officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce clan feuds, curb the proliferation of loose firearms, and strengthen community-led peace mechanisms in a region that has long grappled with cycles of violence.
Community Commitment to Peace
During the ceremony, residents and local leaders demonstrated their commitment to peaceful coexistence through a symbolic gesture — the turnover of an M1 Garand rifle to authorities. The firearm was formally received by military and police personnel, who assured that it would undergo proper documentation and safekeeping in accordance with existing security protocols.
Local officials and security forces described the act as a powerful sign of trust and cooperation between civilians and government institutions, emphasizing that genuine peace begins within the community.
Military and Security Leaders Welcome Milestone
Ronald A. Borras, commanding officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, said peace initiatives become sustainable when communities themselves take ownership of them and when institutions continue to reinforce these gains.
Meanwhile, Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, underscored the importance of civilian-driven governance in maintaining security gains in conflict-affected areas.
For his part, Leonardo I. Peña, commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, described the declaration as a crucial step toward institutionalizing peace in Sulu and preventing the re-emergence of armed confrontations linked to longstanding feuds.
Growing Momentum for Peace in the Municipality
Officials said the declaration of Barangay Masjid Bayle could serve as a model for other communities in the municipality. Several barangays in Kalingalan Caluang have already expressed readiness to pursue similar peace declarations, signaling what authorities describe as growing momentum toward a safer and more stable local environment.
Local leaders hope the initiative will gradually eliminate rido — or clan conflicts — which have historically fueled violence and instability in parts of Sulu. By promoting disarmament, mediation, and community participation, the municipality aims to build lasting peace from the ground up.
If replicated successfully, authorities believe the program could help reshape the security landscape in Kalingalan Caluang and reinforce broader peace efforts across the province.