The Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities (RFGFPCC) campaign in the province of Sulu continues to make significant strides forward, with civilians voluntarily surrendering additional loose firearms in the second district. This development underscores the increasing effectiveness of peace-building efforts in the region, as reported by military authorities on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Coordinated Operations Yield Positive Results
A strong and collaborative effort involving government troops, police forces, and local stakeholders in Sulu's second district has led to the successful surrender of seven assorted firearms. These voluntary turnovers occurred in the towns of Panamao and Pata from Friday, April 17, through Saturday, April 18, demonstrating a tangible commitment to reducing armed violence and fostering safer communities.
Firearm Surrenders in Panamao Town
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Borras, commander of the 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB), confirmed that troops from Charlie Company executed a series of coordinated operations resulting in the turnover of five firearms in Panamao. On Friday, April 17, barangay officials facilitated the surrender of two firearms in Upper Patibulan village with support from the Panamao Municipal Police Station. The surrendered items included one M79 Grenade Launcher and a caliber .357 Magnum revolver, accompanied by two ammunition rounds.
Separate surrender activities on the same day in the villages of Su-uh and Seit Lake led to the turnover of one caliber .357 Magnum revolver and one M1 Garand rifle, respectively. Further progress was made on Saturday, April 18, when one low-powered firearm and one M203 Grenade Launcher were surrendered in Asin village, Panamao, through the dedicated efforts of local officials and security forces.
Additional Surrenders in Pata Town
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, commander of the 104IB, reported the surrender of two firearms from April 17 to 18 in the town of Pata. The surrendered firearms comprised one caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle turned over in Sitio Lukbo, Saimbangon village, and one caliber .45 pistol in Niog-Niog village. These activities were conducted by troops of the 104IB's Charlie Company alongside personnel from the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company and the Pata Municipal Police Station, with facilitation by barangay officials.
Growing Community Participation and Partnership
Since January 1 of this year, troops of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde) have recovered a total of 127 assorted high-and low-powered firearms. Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102Bde, emphasized that the continued surrender of firearms reflects the strengthening partnership between security forces and local communities.
"These developments show that our communities are choosing peace. Through strong collaboration among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, local government units, and community leaders, we are making steady progress toward a more secure and peaceful Sulu," Delos Santos stated in an official release. He reiterated the brigade's unwavering commitment to sustaining the RFGFPCC campaign and further strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to promote lasting peace and security throughout the province of Sulu.
