SULU, Philippines — Government security forces and local officials have secured the voluntary surrender of another loose firearm in Banguingui, Sulu, marking another milestone in the province’s continuing campaign to promote peace, reduce armed violence, and strengthen community trust.
On July 2, 2026, troops from the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Banguingui, facilitated the voluntary hand-over of a Colt caliber .45 pistol with one magazine from a civilian resident of Barangay Dungon under the municipality’s Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign.
The turnover was jointly facilitated by composite troops from Charlie Company led by 1st Lt. Jesson C. Peñaflor, alongside Police Capt. Del-is, Chief of Police of the Banguingui Municipal Police Station, Banguingui Mayor Widzfar “Nikee” Sahidulla, and Councilor Ridzwan Sariul, chairman of the Municipal Peace and Order Council.
Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, said the latest accomplishment resulted from sustained collaboration among the Philippine Army, the PNP, the municipal government, and the Barangay Local Government Unit in encouraging residents to voluntarily surrender unlicensed or loose firearms.
According to Mantes, the successful turnover reflects the growing confidence of the community in the government’s peace and security initiatives, as more residents choose cooperation over violence.
“This accomplishment demonstrates the strong partnership among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the local government, and the people of Banguingui. It is a clear manifestation that through cooperation and mutual trust, we can effectively reduce the proliferation of loose firearms and sustain peace in our communities,” Mantes said.
Military officials emphasized that reducing the number of loose firearms is a key strategy in preventing violent conflicts, particularly those stemming from clan feuds or rido, which have long affected parts of the province.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, described every voluntary firearm surrender as a meaningful contribution to the government’s peace-building efforts.
“Every firearm voluntarily turned over represents another victory for peace. More importantly, it signifies the community’s growing confidence in peaceful and lawful means of resolving conflicts. Through the RFGFPCC Campaign, we are strengthening the rule of law, reducing the drivers of violence, and empowering our local government units and communities to become active partners in sustaining lasting peace in Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
The RFGFPCC Campaign aims to curb the proliferation of loose firearms while fostering dialogue, conflict resolution, and stronger partnerships between government institutions and local communities.
Military records show that since January 1, 2026, the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade has successfully facilitated the voluntary surrender and recovery of 191 high-powered and low-powered firearms across Sulu through the campaign.
Officials said the increasing number of surrendered firearms underscores the sustained commitment of local government units, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders to improving public safety, upholding the rule of law, and preventing violence throughout the province.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with local governments, the PNP, traditional leaders, and community partners to sustain the gains of the RFGFPCC Campaign and further advance lasting peace, security, and development in Sulu.
Authorities expressed optimism that continued cooperation from communities will help create a safer environment where disputes are resolved peacefully rather than through armed confrontation, paving the way for long-term stability and progress in the province.