LUUK, Sulu — The sustained peace and security collaboration among the military, local government units, police, and local communities has resulted in the voluntary hand-over of another loose firearm in the municipality of Pandami, Sulu, authorities said Thursday.
The latest surrender was carried out under the ongoing Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign being implemented by the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade.
According to Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, commanding officer of the 104th Infantry Battalion, troops from Alpha Company led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, together with personnel from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company and the Pandami Municipal Police Station headed by PMSg Paglinawan, attended the formal hand-over ceremony held at the Alpha Company Command Post in Barangay Hambilan, Pandami on May 27, 2026.
Dalumpines said the firearm was voluntarily surrendered by a concerned civilian through the facilitation of Barangay Kabbon Chairperson Hon. Merlinda S. Musahari, reflecting the growing participation of barangay officials and community leaders in supporting the government’s peace initiatives in Sulu.
Recovered during the activity was an improvised 7.62 mm bolt-action rifle with one magazine and one live round of 7.62 ammunition. The firearm and ammunition were immediately placed under government custody for proper documentation and disposition.
Military officials said the continued surrender of loose firearms indicates increasing public trust and cooperation with government-led peacebuilding programs in conflict-affected communities.
“The continued support of our local government units, barangay officials, and residents significantly contributes to our collective efforts in preventing violence, reducing the proliferation of loose firearms, and sustaining peace and stability in the province,” Dalumpines said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, commended the collaborative efforts of the military, police, local government units, and various community stakeholders in strengthening peace and security operations across Sulu.
“The voluntary hand-over of firearms manifests the people’s growing commitment to peace, lawful order, and community stability. Through our continued partnership with local stakeholders and communities, we will sustain the gains of peace and further strengthen our campaign against violence and loose firearms in Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade reported that since January 1, 2026, a total of 170 assorted high-powered and low-powered firearms have already been recovered across the second district of Sulu through the sustained implementation of the RFGFPCC Campaign.
Authorities said the campaign continues to encourage communities to support efforts aimed at resolving clan conflicts, reducing armed violence, and promoting long-term peace and stability throughout the province.