The government’s intensified campaign to establish Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities in Sulu continues to gain momentum as residents from several barangays voluntarily surrendered firearms in support of peace and security initiatives led by the military, police, and local government units.
Over the course of separate declaration ceremonies held from May 11 to 12, 2026, in the municipalities of Pandami and Kalingalan Caluang, civilians turned over firearms ranging from a caliber .38 revolver to a high-powered M203 grenade launcher and an M1 Garand rifle, signaling what military officials described as a growing public rejection of violence and armed conflict in the province.
Troops of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion (104IB), under the operational control of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, facilitated the surrender of one caliber .38 Special revolver with a defaced serial number and six rounds of ammunition during the declaration of Barangay Lapak, Pandami, Sulu as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community on May 11.
Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104IB, said the firearm was formally presented by Barangay Lapak Secretary Haideena T. Jundam on behalf of concerned civilians who voluntarily surrendered the weapon in support of the government’s peace initiatives.
The ceremony was conducted at Camp Berto in Barangay Hambilan through the collaborative efforts of Alpha Company troops led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, personnel from the 2nd Civil Military Operations Company, and members of the Pandami Municipal Police Station headed by PMSg Abdulsaid M. Wajihil.
“The successful surrender highlights the continuing support of local communities to the campaign for Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities across the second district of Sulu,” Dalumpines said.
On the same day, another significant surrender took place in Barangay Kanlagay, Kalingalan Caluang, where civilians voluntarily turned over one M203 Grenade Launcher during the barangay’s declaration as a peaceful community.
Lt. Col. Ronald Borras, Commanding Officer of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, said the weapon was formally presented by Barangay Chairman Lauril Susulan during a turnover ceremony attended by troops from Alpha Company led by 1st Lt. Tom Troy B. Tanzo and personnel from the Kalingalan Caluang Municipal Police Station under PSSg Mehardi Haddari.
Borras said the grenade launcher was immediately secured and documented by military personnel following the ceremony.
He emphasized that the continued cooperation among local officials, barangay leaders, and residents reflects increasing trust and unity among stakeholders committed to maintaining peace and order in Sulu.
The peace campaign further recorded another milestone on May 12 after civilians in Barangay Mamanok, Pandami voluntarily surrendered one M1 Garand rifle during the declaration of the barangay as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community.
The rifle was formally presented by Lupon Member Hon. Rina Balla during a ceremony once again facilitated by the 104IB, the 2nd Civil Military Operations Company, and the Pandami Municipal Police Station at Camp Berto in Barangay Hambilan.
Dalumpines said the declaration of Barangay Mamanok forms part of the broader peacebuilding initiatives being implemented by “Task Group Ganarul” in partnership with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and various community stakeholders across Sulu’s second district.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, praised the continued support of communities and local leaders for embracing peace efforts and rejecting armed violence.
“Every firearm voluntarily surrendered is a significant step toward safer and more peaceful communities. This demonstrates the collective commitment of our people to reject violence and support lasting peace in Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
He added that each surrendered weapon symbolizes families and communities choosing unity and stability over conflict.
“Every surrendered firearm represents a family choosing peace over violence and a community choosing unity over conflict. The declaration of Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities is not only a symbolic activity but a strong manifestation of the people’s collective commitment to lasting peace and development in Sulu,” he added.
Military officials said the continuing success of the campaign reflects stronger cooperation among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, local government units, and civilians in addressing loose firearms and preventing clan feuds or “rido” that have historically fueled violence in parts of Sulu.
As of May 12, 2026, troops under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade have recovered a total of 151 assorted high-powered and low-powered firearms through intensified security operations, localized peace engagements, and voluntary surrender programs across the province’s second district.
Authorities expressed hope that more communities will follow the example set by Barangays Lapak, Kanlagay, and Mamanok in supporting initiatives aimed at building safer, more stable, and conflict-free communities in Sulu.