SULU, Philippines — The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade’s Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign continues to gain momentum across Sulu, with another loose firearm voluntarily surrendered in the municipality of Lugus, bringing the total number of high- and low-powered firearms recovered in the province to 204 since January 1, 2026.
The latest accomplishment underscores the growing confidence of local communities in the government’s peacebuilding efforts and reflects the strengthened partnership among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, traditional leaders, and residents in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms and preventing armed violence.
According to Lt. Col. Roy Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, personnel of Bravo Company led by 2nd Lt. Almighty Gee P. Sawad, in coordination with the Lugus Municipal Police Station headed by Pat. Murvin H. Mursidi, facilitated the formal turnover of the firearm on July 24, 2026, at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Pait, Lugus, Sulu.
During the ceremony, Barangay Chairman Hon. Paulander H. Ladja voluntarily surrendered an M203 Grenade Launcher with a defaced serial number after a series of sustained community engagement activities conducted under the Brigade’s peace campaign.
The voluntary handover was witnessed by Jamil Ladja Abdah of Barangay Pait, Sattar A. Sarail of Barangay Kutah Parang, and Hussin A. Jumah of Barangay Mantan, highlighting the unified support of neighboring communities for the campaign’s objectives of reducing violence and promoting lasting peace throughout the province.
Lt. Col. Dalumpines emphasized that the successful turnover demonstrates the effectiveness of continuous dialogue between security forces and local communities, particularly the active participation of barangay officials in promoting a culture of peace and lawfulness.
“The active support of our barangay officials and community stakeholders continues to strengthen our campaign for lasting peace. Every firearm voluntarily turned over removes a potential instrument of violence and helps create safer communities for our people,” Dalumpines said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, described the recovery of 204 firearms as a significant milestone that reflects the growing trust between the people of Sulu and government security forces.
He stressed that the campaign’s success goes beyond the number of firearms collected, noting that each surrendered weapon represents a life potentially saved and another step toward ending violent clan feuds, locally known as rido.
“The success of the RFGFPCC Campaign is built on trust, cooperation, and our shared commitment to peace. These 204 recovered firearms represent more than numbers—they symbolize 204 opportunities to prevent violence, avert rido, save lives, and preserve the hard-earned peace that the people of Sulu now enjoy,” Delos Santos said.
The RFGFPCC Campaign has become one of the province’s key peacebuilding initiatives, encouraging residents to voluntarily surrender loose firearms through sustained community engagement rather than coercive measures. The campaign also seeks to strengthen the rule of law, reduce the risks posed by illegally held weapons, and prevent conflicts that have historically affected communities in Sulu.
Military officials reaffirmed that the 1102nd Infantry Brigade will continue implementing the campaign in close partnership with the Provincial Government of Sulu, local government units, law enforcement agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and community stakeholders.
Authorities expressed optimism that the continued cooperation of the public will further advance efforts to build safer, more peaceful, and more resilient communities across the province, ensuring that peace and development continue to flourish in Sulu.