SIASI, Sulu — A civilian in Sulu voluntarily surrendered a firearm to authorities on Sunday, June 14, reinforcing ongoing efforts to build safer and more peaceful communities under the government’s Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign.
The turnover was facilitated by troops of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion (104IB) under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade at the battalion headquarters in Barangay East Kuntad, Siasi, Sulu.
According to Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, commanding officer of the 104IB, the activity was jointly conducted by personnel from Alpha Company led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, intelligence and civil-military operations personnel of the battalion, members of the 2nd Civil Military Operations Company of the 15th Civil Military Operations Battalion, and representatives from the Siasi Municipal Police Station.
The firearm turned over was an M1 Garand rifle accompanied by one en bloc clip loaded with three rounds of ammunition.
Authorities said the rifle was voluntarily surrendered by a civilian and formally presented by Mrs. Nessa Pungutan, former barangay chairwoman of Barangay East Kuntad. The turnover symbolized the community’s continued support for the sustainment and strengthening of the RFGFPCC Campaign, which is being implemented under the Local Government Unit-Led, Security Sector-Supported, Community-Based (LSC) Program.
Military officials emphasized that the activity highlighted the critical role of local leaders and stakeholders in promoting peace and security initiatives across the province.
Lt. Col. Dalumpines noted that the successful turnover reflects the growing cooperation among communities, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the military in addressing security concerns and preventing the proliferation of loose firearms.
“The continued support of our stakeholders and community leaders demonstrates the effectiveness of the RFGFPCC Campaign under the LSC Program. Through this collaborative effort, we are able to encourage communities to reject violence and contribute to the maintenance of peace and order,” Dalumpines said.
The RFGFPCC Campaign is one of the government’s flagship peacebuilding initiatives aimed at reducing clan feuds or “rido,” eliminating loose firearms, and fostering a culture of peace through community participation and inter-agency cooperation.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, underscored the importance of public participation in sustaining peace gains and preventing firearms from being used in violent incidents.
“The voluntary hand-over of firearms is a clear manifestation of the people’s trust and confidence in government peace initiatives. Through the LSC Program, we continue to strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders in building peaceful, secure, and resilient communities across Sulu. Every firearm turned over brings us a step closer to achieving our shared vision of a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community,” Delos Santos said.
The latest surrender adds to the growing number of firearms recovered through the campaign. Since January 1, 2026, the 1102nd Infantry Brigade has facilitated the recovery of 182 assorted high-powered and low-powered firearms, including crew-served weapons, across the Second District of Sulu through the implementation of the RFGFPCC Campaign.
Military officials said the increasing number of voluntary firearm handovers demonstrates growing public trust in peacebuilding efforts and the effectiveness of community-based approaches to security.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with local government units, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders to sustain peace and security gains in Sulu through the LSC Program and other grassroots peace initiatives.
Authorities expressed optimism that continued collaboration among communities and government institutions will further strengthen peace, reduce violence, and help create a more stable environment for development throughout the province.