PANDAMI, Sulu – Another loose firearm was voluntarily surrendered by a community in Pandami, Sulu, on July 15, further strengthening the government’s campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms and marking a significant milestone under the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign.
The latest hand-over brought the total number of high- and low-powered firearms voluntarily surrendered and recovered under the campaign to 201 since January 1, 2026, according to the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade.
Lt. Col. Roy Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, said the formal hand-over ceremony was conducted at around 9:30 a.m. at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Tengah Manobol, Pandami.
The activity was facilitated by troops from the Alpha Company, 104IB, led by 1st Lt. Carl Lorenz A. Ebon, in coordination with personnel from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and Police SMS Paolo Paglinawan of the Pandami Municipal Police Station.
During the ceremony, Barangay Chairperson Hon. Rosesia Abdulla voluntarily turned over one M1 Garand rifle with a defaced serial number in support of the sustained implementation of the RFGFPCC Campaign, which is anchored on the Local Government Unit-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based (LSC) Program.
Military officials said the latest surrender further highlights the increasing participation of local communities in promoting peace and supporting government initiatives aimed at reducing armed violence across Sulu.
With the recent hand-over, the municipality of Pandami has now voluntarily surrendered a total of 18 loose firearms, consisting of 12 high-powered and six low-powered weapons under the campaign.
Authorities described the accomplishment as a strong manifestation of the municipality’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and sustaining peace and security in the province.
“The voluntary hand-over reflects the continued cooperation among local government units, security forces, and communities in advancing the rule of law and sustaining peace in Sulu,” Dalumpines said.
He added that the growing number of surrendered firearms demonstrates increasing public confidence in government-led peace initiatives and the effectiveness of the partnership among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, local government units, and community stakeholders in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms through peaceful and community-based approaches.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, commended the officials and residents of Barangay Tengah Manobol for supporting the campaign and helping achieve another milestone.
“The voluntary hand-over of our 201st high- and low-powered firearm is a significant milestone that reflects the growing trust and shared commitment of our communities to uphold the rule of law. This accomplishment is the result of the collective efforts of our local government units, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, traditional and religious leaders, and our partner stakeholders. It demonstrates that the RFGFPCC Campaign continues to unite our people behind a common goal of achieving a safer, gun-free, and peace-centered Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
The military said the campaign will continue to be intensified across the Second District of Sulu through the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, and 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, working closely with local government units, the Philippine National Police, traditional and religious leaders, and other community stakeholders.
Officials emphasized that the sustained implementation of the RFGFPCC Campaign aims not only to reduce the number of loose firearms circulating in communities but also to strengthen public trust, prevent armed conflicts, curb rido or clan feuds, and foster long-term peace, security, and development throughout the province of Sulu.