LUUK, Sulu — Efforts to strengthen peace and security in Sulu gained further momentum as a resident voluntarily surrendered a firearm to government forces while timely coordination between the Philippine Army, police, and residents led to the apprehension of a suspect following a reported attempted hacking incident in the province.
The two developments, which occurred on September 19 and September 21, 2026, respectively, highlighted the continuing role of community participation, information-sharing, and cooperation with security forces in preventing violence and addressing threats at the local level.
In Barangay Bas Lugus, Lugus, Sulu, on September 19, a resident identified as Nadzrie Jammang voluntarily turned over a Springfield caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle and one clip containing seven rounds of live ammunition as part of the continuing Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign.
Lt. Col. Joelito Guanzon, Acting Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, said troops from the battalion headquarters, together with personnel of Bravo Company, proceeded to Barangay Bas Lugus to facilitate the formal turnover.
The firearm and ammunition were surrendered to the 104th Infantry Battalion through the assistance of Bravo Company personnel led by 1st Lt. Dumaga, the company’s commanding officer.
The RFGFPCC Campaign is designed to promote community ownership of peace and security through sustained dialogue, peace engagements, and cooperation among local government units, security forces, community leaders, and residents.
The campaign seeks to prevent rido, reduce the circulation of loose firearms, and encourage communities to resolve disputes through peaceful and lawful means rather than violence.
The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, under the command of Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, continues to support the campaign through an LGU-led, security-sector-supported, and community-based approach intended to place residents at the center of sustaining peace gains in Sulu’s Second District.
Delos Santos said the voluntary surrender of the rifle represented more than the removal of another firearm from the community.
“Every firearm voluntarily turned over represents a conscious choice for peace. More importantly, it shows that our communities are taking ownership of the peace we have collectively built.”
He said the development reflects the central objective of the RFGFPCC Campaign—empowering residents to resolve differences through dialogue and become active partners in maintaining peace in their communities.
Prompt response to reported hacking incident
Meanwhile, on September 21, timely information from a concerned resident enabled Army and police personnel to respond quickly to a reported attempted hacking incident in Barangay Lahing-Lahing, Omar, Sulu.
Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, said troops of Bravo Company, led by 1st Lt. Gian Roi E. Bartolata, immediately coordinated with the Omar Municipal Police Station (MPS) after receiving information from a resident.
The troops proceeded to Sitio Suga-Suga to verify the report and provide assistance.
According to Mantes, the responding Army personnel, together with Omar MPS officers led by PCpt. Alkheen Puddin, Chief of Police, apprehended a suspect identified by authorities as alias “Munggo,” a resident of the area.
A bolo was also recovered during the response.
The suspect was subsequently brought to the Omar MPS for investigation and appropriate disposition.
Delos Santos recognized the coordination between the 101st Infantry Battalion and the Omar police, as well as the resident who promptly reported the incident.
“This shows the importance of good communication and cooperation among our communities, the Army, and the police. When concerns are reported promptly, we can respond immediately and help prevent situations from escalating,” he said.
The brigade likewise encouraged residents to continue reporting security concerns to local authorities and security forces, stressing that maintaining peace and public safety requires the participation of the wider community.
Taken together, the two developments underscore the security sector’s continuing emphasis on community participation—not only through the surrender of loose firearms but also through timely reporting and cooperation when security incidents occur.
The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade said it will continue coordinating with local government units, barangay officials, community leaders, the Philippine National Police, and residents to sustain the RFGFPCC Campaign and strengthen peace and security across Sulu.