SULU, Philippines — The campaign to rid communities of loose firearms in Sulu gained further momentum after village officials in the municipalities of Lugus and Pandami voluntarily surrendered unlicensed weapons in separate turnover ceremonies, reinforcing growing public support for the province’s peace and security initiatives.
The latest voluntary handovers were conducted under the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign, a flagship peace program of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade anchored on the Local Government Unit-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based (LSC) Program. The initiative promotes the rule of law while encouraging local government units, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, and residents to work together in preventing armed violence and long-standing clan conflicts, locally known as rido.
On July 12, community leaders in the municipality of Lugus voluntarily turned over an improvised submachine gun (SMG)-style firearm without a serial number and one detachable box magazine during a ceremony held at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Gapas Rugasan.
The activity was facilitated by troops from Bravo Company of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion under 2nd Lt. Almighty Gee P. Sawad, in coordination with Police Cpl. Akmadbaser S. Nuh of the Lugus Municipal Police Station.
The firearm was voluntarily surrendered by Barangay Chairman Fhaizer Idjal Alapuddin of Gapas Rugasan, Barangay Chairman Julkipli H. Hasan of Bas Mangkallay, and Alyasher Masjid Mohammad, representative of Barangay Laha.
Two days earlier, on July 10, another milestone was achieved in Pandami after Barangay Chairman Alimuktar Gonzalez of North Manobol voluntarily surrendered an M203 grenade launcher with a defaced serial number during a turnover ceremony at the barangay hall.
The Pandami activity was facilitated by Alpha Company of the 104th Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, together with personnel of the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and Police SMS Paolo Paglinawan of the Pandami Municipal Police Station.
According to Lt. Col. Roy Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, the continued voluntary surrender of firearms demonstrates the increasing confidence of local communities in government-led peace initiatives.
“The voluntary hand-over reflects the growing cooperation between local government units, security forces, and communities in supporting the Brigade’s peace initiatives,” Dalumpines said.
He emphasized that every firearm surrendered significantly contributes to reducing armed violence in Sulu.
“Every firearm voluntarily handed over is a significant contribution to our collective pursuit of peace and security. It reflects the trust of our communities in government programs and their willingness to resolve differences through peaceful and lawful means. This partnership among our local government units, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and our peace-loving communities continues to strengthen the foundation of peace in Sulu,” he added.
The latest handovers pushed the Brigade’s firearm recovery campaign to another milestone.
Military officials said that since January 1, 2026, the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, working closely with local government units, the Philippine National Police, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders, has facilitated the voluntary surrender and recovery of 199 high-powered and low-powered firearms across the Second District of Sulu.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, praised the people of Lugus and Pandami for their continued cooperation, saying the sustained success of the campaign reflects the growing culture of peace taking root across the province.
“The continued success of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community Campaign is a testament to the power of unity, political will, and respect for the rule of law. Every firearm voluntarily handed over represents a community’s commitment to reject violence and embrace peace,” Delos Santos said.
He stressed that the Brigade’s peace strategy empowers local government units to take the lead while the Armed Forces, the Philippine National Police, and other security agencies provide support, allowing communities themselves to become active partners in peacebuilding.
According to Delos Santos, the LSC framework has become a vital mechanism in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms, preventing rido, and preserving the peace gains achieved in Sulu through cooperation rather than confrontation.
The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to sustain the RFGFPCC Campaign by continuing to work with local governments, law enforcement agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and local communities to encourage the voluntary surrender of loose firearms, peacefully resolve conflicts, prevent clan feuds, and safeguard the province’s hard-earned peace and development.
Military officials said the continuing increase in voluntary firearm surrenders highlights a growing public recognition that lasting peace is best achieved through community participation, respect for the rule of law, and strong collaboration among government institutions and the people they serve.