SULU, Philippines — The military’s intensified campaign to build peaceful, gun-free communities in Sulu continues to gain momentum, with two more firearms voluntarily surrendered in separate municipalities this week, bringing the total number of recovered weapons in the province’s second district to 175 since January 2026.
The latest developments highlight the growing impact of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign and the government’s Sustaining Internal Security Operations and Transition to External Security Operations (SITE) Concept, initiatives spearheaded by the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade to reduce armed violence, promote accountability, and strengthen community trust.
One of the most notable recoveries stemmed from a recent indiscriminate firing incident in the municipality of Siasi.
According to Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, troops from the Laminusa Patrol Base responded after reports of gunfire erupted in Barangay Luuk, Laminusa, Siasi.
An investigation revealed that a resident identified only as alias “Gardo” allegedly fired a Colt M1911 pistol following a heated verbal altercation with residents who were guarding the grave of a recently deceased relative.
Rather than allowing the incident to escalate into a prolonged conflict, government forces immediately coordinated with community leaders and local stakeholders. Through sustained dialogue and intervention under the RFGFPCC Campaign, the suspect eventually expressed his willingness to surrender peacefully.
On June 3, 2026, a formal turnover ceremony was conducted at the headquarters of the 104th Infantry Battalion in Barangay East Kuntad, Siasi, where the individual voluntarily handed over a Colt M1911 pistol, one magazine, and two rounds of caliber .45 ammunition.
“The swift resolution of this incident demonstrates the effectiveness of the RFGFPCC Campaign in fostering community cooperation and preventing the escalation of violence,” Lt. Col. Dalumpines said.
“Through the collective efforts of our stakeholders, disputes can be addressed through peaceful and lawful means rather than armed confrontation,” he added.
Just a day later, another significant surrender was recorded in the municipality of Omar.
Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, reported that troops from Bravo Company, led by 1st Lt. Gian Roi Bartolata, facilitated the voluntary turnover of an M16A1 rifle at the Bravo Company Command Post in Barangay Andalan, Omar, on June 4.
The firearm was surrendered by alias “Edimar,” a resident of Barangay Lahing-Lahing.
Military officials said the turnover was the result of continued implementation of the SITE Concept, which seeks to preserve internal security gains while preparing communities for long-term peace and development. The effort was undertaken in close coordination with the Philippine National Police, barangay officials, and the municipal government of Omar.
“This accomplishment reflects the increasing confidence of the people in our peace and security initiatives,” Lt. Col. Mantes said.
“Through the SITE Concept and the RFGFPCC Campaign, we continue to encourage communities to reject the culture of violence and contribute to the preservation of peace and stability in Omar and the entire Second District of Sulu.”
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade and Task Group “Ganarul,” commended soldiers, law enforcement agencies, local government units, and community leaders for their collective efforts in advancing peace and security across the province.
He emphasized that the campaign goes beyond the simple recovery of firearms and seeks to transform communities through accountability, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law.
“The RFGFPCC Campaign is not only about recovering loose firearms but also about building a culture of peace, accountability, and respect for the rule of law,” Delos Santos said.
“Every firearm handed over represents a potential act of violence prevented and a stronger commitment from our communities to maintain peace and security in Sulu.”
The brigade commander added that the growing number of voluntary surrenders reflects the increasing willingness of residents to support government peacebuilding efforts.
“The continued voluntary hand-over of firearms demonstrates that our people are choosing peace over violence,” he said.
“Through the RFGFPCC Campaign and the SITE Concept, we are strengthening community trust, reducing the presence of loose firearms, and creating conditions conducive for lasting peace and development in Sulu.”
Military officials noted that the recovery of 175 high-powered and low-powered firearms since the start of the year underscores the effectiveness of the government’s community-centered security strategy, which relies heavily on cooperation among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, local government units, religious leaders, and peace stakeholders.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peacebuilding initiatives and supporting the continued transformation of Sulu into a safer, more secure, and conflict-resilient province.