MAIMBUNG, Sulu — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday personally inspected 195 high-caliber firearms voluntarily surrendered by residents from across Sulu, describing the turnover as another significant milestone in the province’s continuing journey toward lasting peace, security, and development.
The firearms were formally turned over to the provincial government and local government units from Sulu’s 19 municipalities during ceremonies held at the headquarters of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 9B, coinciding with the President’s official visit to the province.
The surrendered weapons, according to Sulu Governor Abdusakur “Toto” Tan II, were voluntarily handed over by residents who no longer wish to be involved in armed conflict, reflecting a growing public commitment to maintaining peace and stability throughout the province.
“This is a clear indication that the people of Sulu no longer want violence,” Governor Tan said, emphasizing that the voluntary surrender of firearms demonstrates the province’s unified support for government-led peace and security initiatives.
He added that the weapons turnover marks a significant step toward restoring normalcy, fostering safer communities, and strengthening public confidence in the government’s peace and order efforts.
President Inspects RMFB Headquarters
Following the turnover ceremony, President Marcos inspected the newly completed three-story headquarters of RMFB 9B, a P180-million facility constructed through funding secured during the administration of then-Governor—and now Vice Governor—Abdusakur M. Tan.
Aside from initiating the construction of the building, Vice Governor Tan also donated the 1.8-hectare property where the headquarters now stands and funded the installation of perimeter fencing, underscoring the provincial government’s long-standing support for law enforcement operations.
The modern facility is expected to enhance the operational readiness of the Philippine National Police’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion in carrying out peacekeeping, security, and public safety operations across Sulu.
Police Welcome Presidential Visit
RMFB 9B Force Commander Police Lieutenant Colonel Sabri Lakibul described President Marcos’ visit as a great honor for the battalion, saying it boosts the morale of police personnel serving in one of the country’s historically conflict-affected provinces.
Lakibul also expressed gratitude to the provincial government for its continued support of the police force and reaffirmed the battalion’s commitment to maintaining peace, public order, and security throughout Sulu.
He assured the public that RMFB 9B would continue working closely with local governments and communities to sustain the province’s hard-earned gains in peace and stability.
Rice Assistance for 3,000 Beneficiaries
During his visit to Maimbung, President Marcos also led the distribution of rice assistance to around 3,000 beneficiaries, with each recipient receiving 10 kilograms of rice.
The President highlighted the government’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), explaining that the program would allow financial assistance to be transferred directly to local government units, enabling faster delivery of services and aid to communities.
Marcos also announced that beneficiaries are expected to receive rice every two months as part of the administration’s continuing efforts to strengthen food security and ensure that no Filipino goes hungry.
Strengthening Peace Through Partnership
The President’s visit underscored the national government’s continued collaboration with the provincial government of Sulu in promoting peace, disarmament, and development.
Officials said the voluntary surrender of nearly 200 high-powered firearms not only reduces the number of loose firearms circulating in communities but also symbolizes increasing public trust in government institutions and a collective determination to move beyond decades of armed conflict.
Local leaders expressed optimism that sustained cooperation between national agencies, local governments, security forces, and communities will further accelerate Sulu’s transformation into a safer and more peaceful province while creating greater opportunities for economic growth and social development.