SULU, Philippines — Four assorted firearms were voluntarily surrendered in the municipalities of Pandami, Lugus, and Siasi, Sulu from May 3 to 6, 2026, as government troops intensified peacebuilding and community engagement efforts aimed at promoting long-term stability and reducing armed violence in the province.
The series of voluntary surrenders was facilitated by the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade of the Philippine Army in coordination with local police units and civil-military organizations.
Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, commanding officer of the 104th Infantry Battalion, said the first surrender took place on May 3 in Barangay Malanta, Pandami, where a resident voluntarily turned over a 12-gauge shotgun with a defaced serial number during the declaration of the village as a “Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community.”
The event was facilitated by troops from Alpha Company of the 104IB led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, together with personnel from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company and the Pandami Municipal Police Station.
Two days later, on May 5, another firearm was surrendered in Barangay Sibul, Lugus, Sulu. Troops from Bravo Company, 104IB led by 2nd Lt. Junner Guimbarda, in coordination with the Lugus Municipal Police Station, received an M1 Garand rifle from local residents during a similar peace declaration activity.
On May 6, a caliber .45 pistol was also voluntarily surrendered in Barangay Lahi, Pandami through the joint efforts of Alpha Company, 104IB, the 2nd CMO Company, and the Pandami Municipal Police Station as part of another community peace declaration initiative.
Authorities said the fourth surrender occurred on the same day at the headquarters of the 104IB in Barangay Camp Muksan, East Kuntad, Siasi, where a certain Mr. Denhar T. Gajir turned over an M16A1 rifle with a defaced serial number, one magazine, and ten rounds of 5.56mm ammunition to Lt. Col. Dalumpines.
Military officials disclosed that the surrender followed an indiscriminate firing incident that reportedly occurred on May 4 between the coastal areas of Barangay Hambilan in Pandami and Barangay Poblacion in Siasi.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, lauded the cooperation of local communities and stressed the importance of collective efforts in sustaining peace initiatives across Sulu.
“These firearm surrenders reflect the growing commitment of our communities to support peace, reject violence, and uphold the rule of law. Through the continued cooperation of our local leaders, residents, and security forces, we are steadily advancing our campaign for Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities across Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
The military said the 1102nd Infantry Brigade remains committed to strengthening collaborative peace and security initiatives with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders in support of lasting peace, stability, and development in the province.