Sulu Civilians Voluntarily Surrender Firearms, Bolstering Peace Initiatives
In a significant development for peace and security in the southern Philippines, civilians from the towns of Luuk and Panamao in Sulu province voluntarily handed over five assorted firearms to authorities on Friday, March 27, 2026. This act reflects the growing confidence of local communities in government-led peace initiatives and reinforces the ongoing campaign for Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Communities across the province.
Panamao Turnover: Local Leadership in Action
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Borras, commander of the 21st Infantry Battalion, reported that troops from his unit facilitated the voluntary handover of three firearms in Panamao, Sulu. The surrendered items included two M1 Garand rifles and one caliber .45 pistol from civilians. Borras highlighted that this successful turnover was made possible through the proactive efforts of local village chairpersons: Benhar Abdulmaid of Banday Village, Abdurauf Sawadjaan of Kan-Asaali Village, and Rasilkhan Sajad of Bud Seit Village. Their coordination with respective village councils and the Panamao Municipal Police Station was crucial, underscoring the vital role of local leaders in advancing peace efforts.
Luuk Contribution: Sustained Coordination Yields Results
Similarly, Lieutenant Colonel Dante Mantes, commander of the 101st Infantry Battalion, shared that troops from his unit, alongside personnel from the Luuk Municipal Police Station, facilitated the turnover of one M1 Garand rifle and one caliber .45 pistol on the same day in Tulayan Island, Luuk, Sulu. This action was initiated by Hadja Karfaisa Omar, the chairperson of Tulayan village. Mantes emphasized that this development resulted from sustained coordination among the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and Local Government Unit, supporting the municipality's push toward becoming a Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Community. He added that such efforts sustain the momentum of peace initiatives and inspire more individuals to support a conflict-free environment.
Military Leadership Commends Progress
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, underscored that these developments highlight the effectiveness of localized peace engagements and the strengthened partnership among the military, police, LGUs, and communities. Delos Santos noted that each firearm handed over contributes significantly to reducing threats and promoting a more secure environment, marking a step forward in regional stability.
Meanwhile, Major General Leonardo Peña, commander of Joint Task Force-Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, commended the troops and partner stakeholders for their continued commitment to peacebuilding efforts. Peña stated that voluntary disarmament plays a crucial role in preventing violence and fostering long-term stability, adding that lasting peace can only be achieved through unified action and community involvement.
This series of voluntary surrenders in Sulu province demonstrates a positive shift toward peace, driven by collaborative efforts between authorities and civilians, and sets a precedent for other regions aiming to reduce armed conflicts and enhance public safety.
