OMAR, Sulu – The Municipality of Omar, the first local government unit in Mindanao to be officially declared a Rido-Free Municipality, has reinforced its reputation as a model of peacebuilding after two loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered under the government’s Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign on Wednesday, July 8.
Military officials said the latest voluntary hand-over marks another milestone in the sustained implementation of the campaign spearheaded by the Joint Task Group (JTG) “Ganarul,” highlighting the growing partnership among security forces, local government officials, and residents in preserving the municipality’s hard-earned peace.
Omar earned national recognition after declaring itself a Rido-Free Municipality on October 9, 2025, becoming the first municipality in Mindanao to achieve the distinction. Authorities said Wednesday’s turnover demonstrates the community’s continued commitment to preventing armed violence and strengthening the rule of law.
The surrendered firearms consisted of two caliber .45 pistols with defaced serial numbers and two magazines, voluntarily turned over by an individual identified only as alias “Samir,” a resident of Barangay Lianutan, Luuk, Sulu.
According to Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, the recovery reflects the increasing confidence of residents in government peace initiatives.
“The people of Omar continue to prove that lasting peace is best sustained through unity, respect for the rule of law, and active community participation. Every firearm voluntarily handed over is a testament to the community’s collective commitment to maintain Omar as a peaceful municipality and to support the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community Campaign,” Mantes said.
The turnover ceremony was held at the Omar Municipal Hall in Barangay Lahing-Lahing and was facilitated by personnel from Bravo Company, 101st Infantry Battalion under 1st Lt. Gian Roi Bartolata, in coordination with Capt. Bryan Jay G. Esteban, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion; Capt. Jebson B. Flores of the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion; Capt. Wilson Taray, Commanding Officer of the 112th Military Intelligence Company, 11th Military Intelligence Battalion; Police Master Sgt. Almuzrine Sabdain of the Omar Municipal Police Station; and officials of the Local Government Unit of Omar led by Mayor Abdulbaki J. Ajibon.
Military officials said the successful recovery resulted from sustained coordination among the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, local government officials, and barangay leaders under the RFGFPCC Campaign.
The latest accomplishment also contributes to the broader peace and security efforts of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade across the Second District of Sulu.
Since January 1, 2026, the brigade has facilitated the voluntary surrender of 195 high-powered and low-powered firearms, underscoring what military officials described as increasing public trust in peaceful conflict resolution and government-led peacebuilding initiatives.
For Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, Omar’s continued success demonstrates that sustainable peace depends on strong community ownership and political leadership.
“Omar’s distinction as the first Rido-Free Municipality in Mindanao is not merely a milestone—it is a continuing commitment. The voluntary hand-over of these firearms demonstrates that peace is sustained when communities choose dialogue over violence and the rule of law over armed conflict,” Delos Santos said.
He added that the RFGFPCC Campaign has empowered communities to actively participate in maintaining peace by encouraging the voluntary surrender of loose firearms instead of allowing them to fuel violence or clan conflicts.
“Through the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community Campaign, we are witnessing communities take ownership of peace, one firearm handed over at a time. As we reach 195 voluntarily recovered firearms this year, we remain steadfast in working with our local government units, the Philippine National Police, traditional and religious leaders, and every peace-loving Suluanon in building a safer and more peaceful Sulu,” the brigade commander added.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade said it remains committed to expanding the RFGFPCC Campaign by strengthening partnerships with local government units, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, religious sectors, and local communities to preserve peace, enhance public safety, and promote inclusive development throughout the province of Sulu.
Authorities expressed optimism that the continued voluntary surrender of loose firearms will further reduce the risk of armed conflict, particularly rido or clan feuds, and help sustain the peaceful environment that Omar has achieved over the past year.