SULU, Philippines — There was a time when the sound of gunfire was woven into the daily lives of many communities across Sulu. Generations grew up amid the shadow of loose firearms, while rido—deep-rooted clan feuds that often spiraled into cycles of retaliation—claimed lives, divided families, and slowed the province’s march toward peace and development.
Today, that narrative is steadily being rewritten.
In what has become a powerful symbol of transformation, residents of Barangays North Manubol and South Manubol in the municipality of Pandami voluntarily surrendered another loose firearm on July 12, 2026, under the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign. The caliber .380 pistol, formally turned over at the Barangay Hall of North Manubol, marked the 200th loose firearm voluntarily recovered by the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade since January 1, 2026.
Far beyond a numerical milestone, the surrender represents a growing movement in Sulu—one driven not by fear or coercion, but by trust, cooperation, and a collective commitment to building a future where peace prevails over violence.
For decades, loose firearms fueled insecurity, intensified clan conflicts, and undermined efforts to bring stability to one of Mindanao’s historically conflict-affected provinces. Yet, through sustained community engagement and collaborative peacebuilding efforts, many residents are now choosing dialogue instead of confrontation and the rule of law over armed retaliation.
For the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, every voluntarily surrendered firearm tells a deeply human story.
Each weapon removed from circulation signifies a family choosing safety over fear, a community rejecting violence as a means of resolving disputes, and citizens placing their confidence in institutions working to safeguard peace. It reflects an evolving relationship between the people and the government—one anchored on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and genuine partnership.
Recognizing that military operations alone cannot secure enduring peace, the Brigade has positioned the RFGFPCC Campaign as one of its flagship peacebuilding initiatives. The campaign is anchored on the LGU-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based (LSC) Program, a whole-of-community approach that empowers local government units to lead peace initiatives while the security sector provides support and communities themselves become active architects of peace.
Across the Second District of Sulu, the campaign is being implemented through the coordinated efforts of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, and 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, with operational support from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and the 112th Military Intelligence Company.
Their efforts are reinforced through close collaboration with local government units, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire Protection, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and various partner stakeholders. Together, they have cultivated an environment where communities are encouraged to voluntarily surrender loose firearms, peacefully settle conflicts, and strengthen respect for the rule of law.
This synchronized approach has transformed the RFGFPCC Campaign into something much greater than a security initiative. It has evolved into a grassroots movement that empowers ordinary citizens to take ownership of peace while proving that sustainable security is best achieved through dialogue, cooperation, and community participation rather than force alone.
The latest firearm handover in Pandami further illustrates this remarkable transformation.
It was already the third firearm voluntarily surrendered by the communities of North Manubol and South Manubol, following the earlier turnover of one high-powered firearm and one low-powered firearm. These successive acts demonstrate increasing public confidence in government-led peace initiatives and stronger relationships between local communities and state institutions.
For Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, the significance of the 200th recovered firearm extends far beyond statistics.
“Every voluntarily handed-over firearm tells a story of trust earned, partnerships strengthened, and communities choosing peace over violence. The RFGFPCC Campaign is not the accomplishment of the 1102nd Infantry ‘Ganarul’ Brigade alone. It is a collective undertaking of our local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire Protection, our traditional and religious leaders, and our partner stakeholders who share one vision—a peaceful, secure, and progressive Sulu. Together, we will continue strengthening the rule of law and sustaining the hard-earned peace that our people rightfully deserve,” Delos Santos said.
His message underscores a fundamental truth in peacebuilding: lasting peace cannot be imposed—it must be nurtured, protected, and owned by the very communities it seeks to benefit.
The Brigade acknowledges that peace is not a destination but a continuing process. Every dialogue conducted, every partnership established, every conflict peacefully resolved, and every firearm voluntarily surrendered strengthens the foundations of a society where disputes are settled through lawful and peaceful means rather than armed confrontation.
As the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade celebrates the voluntary recovery of its 200th loose firearm, the milestone serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder that the journey toward lasting peace continues.
Behind every surrendered firearm are countless conversations held in barangay halls, courageous local leaders who chose reconciliation over division, security personnel who earned the trust of communities, and citizens who embraced hope instead of conflict.
The transformation unfolding in Sulu demonstrates that the province’s future no longer has to be defined by memories of violence or decades of instability.
Instead, it is increasingly being shaped by communities united in their desire for peace, leaders committed to good governance, and institutions working together to ensure that future generations inherit a safer, more peaceful homeland.
The story of Sulu is changing.
From communities once haunted by the echoes of gunfire, a new sound is emerging—the voices of people choosing dialogue, unity, and shared responsibility.
Through the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community Campaign, the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade and its partners continue to prove that when peace is embraced by the people themselves, it becomes stronger, more resilient, and enduring—a legacy that can inspire not only Sulu, but the rest of Mindanao and the nation as a whole.