Philippine Army Hosts Grand Community Dialogue in Sulu to Strengthen Peace Efforts
Troops from the 101st Infantry Battalion have successfully convened local leaders and residents in a significant Grand Pulong-Pulong event held in Sucuban village, Omar, Sulu. This community dialogue, which took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, aimed to strengthen partnerships and sustain the hard-won peace gains in the region, as confirmed by military officials on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Reinforcing Peace-Centered Initiatives
The Grand Pulong-Pulong served as a crucial platform to reinforce support for ongoing initiatives, including the Rid-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community campaigns. Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, explained that this activity was directly linked to the deployment of the Sustainment on Internal Security Operations and Transition to External Security Operations Team.
This deployment followed an intensive week-long house-to-house engagement across Sucuban village, designed to directly reach out to residents and gain a deeper understanding of their concerns and needs. The 101st Infantry Battalion, a subordinate unit of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade based in Luuk, Sulu, played a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating these efforts.
Broad-Based Community Participation
The event saw participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, reflecting a broad-based commitment to peacebuilding. Sucuban village officials, led by Chairperson Romeo Asul, joined representatives from the local police, the Rural Health Unit, and other partner organizations. Notably, community members affiliated with the Moro National Liberation Front were also present, highlighting the inclusive nature of the dialogue.
Lieutenant Colonel Dante Mantes, commander of the 101st Infantry Battalion, emphasized that the activity was anchored on direct community engagement. He stated that the goal was to ensure every household clearly understands the intent of ongoing government initiatives. The house-to-house visits allowed troops to personally connect with residents, align them with government efforts, and sustain the gains already achieved under the Rido-Free and GFPCC campaign.
Building Trust and Preventing Conflict
Brigadier General Delos Santos underscored the vital importance of sustained engagement and close coordination among all stakeholders in reinforcing peace at the community level. He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for building trust, strengthening collaboration, and preventing the resurgence of conflict in the area.
The Grand Pulong-Pulong highlighted the critical role of continuous community engagement in sustaining peace gains and promoting a culture of cooperation, shared responsibility, and lasting security in the province of Sulu. This event marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to maintain stability and foster positive relationships between the military and local communities.
