Panamao, Sulu — Sustained peace initiatives in the province of Sulu continue to gain ground as residents voluntarily surrendered five firearms in separate barangays, underscoring growing trust between communities, local government units, and security forces.
The handover forms part of the government’s ongoing Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) efforts led by the Philippine Army’s 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, in coordination with local stakeholders.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Borras, commanding officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, said the increasing number of voluntary surrenders reflects the effectiveness of sustained community engagement and dialogue-driven approaches to peacebuilding.
According to Borras, the firearms turned over included two M16 rifles from Barangay Masjid Bayle and one M203 grenade launcher from Barangay Karungdong, both in Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu. Two caliber .38 pistols were also surrendered in Barangay Kulay-Kulay, Panamao.
The recovered weapons were subsequently handed over to the Philippine National Police and military authorities in support of ongoing efforts to establish communities that are free from clan conflict, loose firearms, and violence.
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining peace and security across Sulu, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration with local leaders and residents.
For his part, Major General Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, stressed that achieving lasting peace requires a whole-of-nation approach, where government agencies, communities, and other stakeholders work together to address the roots of conflict.
Authorities noted that the voluntary surrender of firearms is a key indicator of shifting community attitudes, with more residents opting for peaceful means of resolving disputes rather than armed confrontation.
The latest development highlights steady progress in efforts to transform conflict-affected areas in Sulu into stable and secure communities, anchored on cooperation, trust, and shared aspirations for long-term peace and development.