JOLO, Sulu — A total of five firearms were voluntarily surrendered by civilians in separate engagements across the municipalities of Tapul and Panamao from April 3 to 6, 2026, signaling increasing grassroots support for the government’s campaign to establish rido-free, gun-free, and peace-centered communities in the province.
Military and police officials said the series of handovers underscores a growing sense of cooperation among residents, local leaders, and security forces in addressing long-standing issues of armed conflict and clan feuds in Sulu.
Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, commanding officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, reported that the first turnover took place on April 3 at the Tapul Municipal Hall. Troops from Bravo Company, led by 1st Lt. Jaythron L. Dumaga, in coordination with the Tapul Municipal Police Station, facilitated the surrender of two firearms—an M1 Garand rifle and a 9mm pistol, both bearing defaced serial numbers.
The firearms were voluntarily handed over by civilians and presented through the initiative of Barangay Chairpersons Jurmiya J. Daud of Barangay Sayli and Mohsin L. Alih of Barangay Tangkapaan.
A second turnover in Tapul followed on April 5, involving one caliber .45 pistol with a defaced serial number and two rounds of live ammunition. The surrender was facilitated through the efforts of Barangay Chairman Abdel Nasser Anni Daud of Barangay Kalang, with assistance from the same military and police units.
Meanwhile, in Panamao town, Lt. Col. Ronald A. Borras, commander of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, reported parallel efforts led by Charlie Company under 1st Lt. Tom Troy B. Tanzo. On April 5, a caliber .45 pistol was surrendered in Barangay Lakit through the initiative of Barangay Chairman Benhar O. Muddakir and local officials.
Another significant handover occurred on April 6 in Barangay Kamalig, where a civilian turned over a high-powered firearm—a caliber .30 M1 US Carbine with serial number 932667. The effort was facilitated by Barangay Chairperson Hja. Myrna Badiri, in coordination with the barangay council and personnel from the Panamao Municipal Police Station.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, emphasized that the increasing number of voluntary firearm surrenders reflects strengthening public trust in government-led peace initiatives.
“This trend shows that communities are beginning to take ownership of peace and security efforts,” Delos Santos said.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and Joint Task Force Orion, likewise commended the troops, local officials, and residents for their collaborative role in advancing peace in Sulu.
“Lasting peace is achieved when communities themselves take part in securing it. These voluntary handovers show that the people of Sulu are choosing peace and stability,” Peña said.
Authorities noted that the recent developments highlight the effectiveness of joint efforts among local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in promoting sustainable peace and development in the province.
Sulu has long grappled with armed violence and rido, or clan feuds, but officials expressed optimism that continued community engagement and trust-building initiatives will pave the way for lasting stability in the region.