PANDAMI, Sulu — The Municipality of Pandami took another significant step toward achieving its goal of becoming a gun-free community after a high-powered firearm was voluntarily surrendered through the ongoing implementation of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign, a government-backed initiative aimed at promoting peace, security, and public trust across Sulu.
Military officials said the latest firearm handover underscores the growing confidence of residents in the government’s peace and security programs, as well as the strengthening partnership between local communities, local government units, and security forces.
According to Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, troops from Alpha Company led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, together with personnel from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and the Pandami Municipal Police Station, facilitated the formal turnover of one FN-FAL rifle and a magazine on June 7, 2026, at the Alpha Company Command Post in Barangay Hambilan, Pandami.
The firearm was officially handed over by Benhur A. Sitin, Secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan of Pandami. Sitin disclosed that the rifle had previously been placed under the custody of the municipal mayor after it was voluntarily surrendered by an anonymous civilian.
Authorities said the civilian chose to relinquish the firearm as a show of support for Pandami’s forthcoming Gun-Free Declaration and as a manifestation of trust in the government’s efforts to maintain peace and order in the municipality.
Military officials noted that the voluntary surrender was also influenced by the swift and decisive actions taken by government security forces following an indiscriminate firing incident involving an individual identified as alias “Jiry” on June 5. The prompt response of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government authorities reportedly reassured residents that law enforcement agencies remain committed to protecting communities and addressing security concerns.
“The continued hand-over of loose firearms reflects the effectiveness of the partnership among our local government units, security forces, and communities. This growing culture of cooperation is essential in sustaining peace and security in Sulu,” Dalumpines said.
The development was welcomed by Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, who commended both the local government of Pandami and its residents for actively supporting the RFGFPCC Campaign.
“The success of the RFGFPCC Campaign demonstrates the importance of political will, effective law enforcement, and community participation. Every firearm handed over is a concrete contribution toward building safer, more peaceful, and more resilient communities throughout Sulu,” Delos Santos emphasized.
The RFGFPCC Campaign has become one of the government’s key peacebuilding initiatives in Sulu, encouraging residents to voluntarily surrender loose firearms, resolve clan feuds peacefully, and actively participate in community-based peace and security programs.
Data from the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade showed that from January 1 to June 7, 2026, a total of 177 high-powered and low-powered firearms have been recovered throughout the Second District of Sulu through the campaign. The accomplishment was made possible through the combined efforts of local government units, the PNP, military forces, and community stakeholders.
Security officials believe that the continued surrender of firearms not only reduces the risk of armed violence but also strengthens the foundation for long-term peace and stability in communities that have historically faced security challenges.
As Pandami moves closer to its planned Gun-Free Declaration, authorities expressed optimism that more residents will follow the example of those who have voluntarily surrendered firearms, further advancing the municipality’s vision of becoming a peaceful, secure, and conflict-resilient community.