Tapul, Sulu — In a powerful show of unity and grassroots commitment to peace, the island municipality of Tapul was officially declared a Rido-Free and Gun-Free Municipality and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) on April 8, 2026—an achievement anchored on trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for a safer future.
The milestone was marked by the voluntary surrender of 15 firearms from community members, symbolizing a decisive shift away from cycles of violence and armed conflict that have long challenged parts of Sulu. The ceremonial turnover, held at the Kalang Covered Court in Barangay Kalang, served as both a celebration and a public affirmation of the community’s commitment to peace.
Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, described the declaration as the result of sustained collaboration among local stakeholders. These included the Local Government Unit of Tapul, the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and its 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, and the Sulu Police Provincial Office.
“This declaration did not happen overnight. It is the product of continuous engagement, dialogue, and trust-building between the military, police, local government, and most importantly, the community,” Dalumpines said.
The formal declaration was institutionalized through a municipal resolution read by Vice Mayor Nasser Daud Sr., affirming Tapul’s collective resolve to prevent conflict, promote public safety, and uphold peace as a shared responsibility. The event drew participation from local officials, barangay leaders, religious figures, members of the academe, and various peace advocates—highlighting a whole-of-community approach.
Mayor Nasser Daud Jr. underscored the importance of unity in achieving the milestone, expressing gratitude to all sectors that played a role in the process.
“Our success is rooted in cooperation. The barangay leaders, religious sector, academe, and our security forces all worked hand in hand. Dialogue remained open, and trust was built over time,” the mayor said, while also commending the 104th Infantry Battalion for its consistent community engagement.
For Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, the declaration reflects more than just compliance—it signals a conscious choice by the people of Tapul to embrace peace.
“Security efforts are most effective when communities themselves take ownership. What we are witnessing here is a collective decision by the people to create a peaceful and stable environment,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that peace is foundational to development and long-term stability.
“When communities choose peace, they open doors to progress. This achievement must not only be celebrated but also protected and sustained for future generations,” Peña stressed.
The public presentation of the surrendered firearms stood as a poignant highlight of the ceremony—each weapon representing a conscious step away from violence and toward reconciliation.
Tapul’s declaration as a Rido-Free and Gun-Free Municipality adds momentum to Sulu’s broader peace-building campaign, demonstrating how community-driven initiatives can dismantle entrenched conflict dynamics.
In a province historically shaped by clan feuds and armed tensions, Tapul’s transformation offers a compelling narrative: that peace, when nurtured collectively, is not only possible—but sustainable.