Sulu's Peace Campaign Gains Momentum with Voluntary Firearm Handovers
The campaign for Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities (RFGFPCC) in Sulu is achieving significant progress as a total of five firearms were voluntarily surrendered in a series of coordinated activities over a three-day period from Wednesday, April 8, to Saturday, April 11, 2026. The 1102nd Infantry Brigade, operating under the Army’s 11th Infantry Division (11ID), reported that these successive firearm handovers were made possible through close collaboration among Army units, the police, and local government units, reinforcing the effectiveness of community-based security initiatives.
Details of the Firearm Surrenders
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Borras, commander of the 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB), stated that two firearms were handed over to authorities on Wednesday, April 8, in Tubig Jatih, Panamao, Sulu. These weapons included a 40-millimeter M-79 grenade launcher and a caliber .38 revolver. The handover was facilitated by troops of 21IB’s Charlie Company, led by Captain Elmer Dancel, in coordination with the Panamao Municipal Police Station.
Borras further emphasized that another two firearms—a shotgun and a caliber .45 pistol—were surrendered on Thursday, April 9, in the villages of Tabuh Manik and Balungsih, Panamao. He highlighted that these handovers were made possible through the initiative and support of village officials, reflecting strong grassroots backing for the government’s peace campaign.
Local Leadership Plays a Key Role
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, commander of the 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB), reported that a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle was handed over on Saturday, April 11, in Saimbangon village, Pata, Sulu. Troops of 104IB’s Charlie Company, in coordination with the Pata Municipal Police Station, facilitated this handover. The firearm was formally presented by Saimbangon Village Chairperson Julambre Isnadi, underscoring the vital role of local leadership in advancing peace and security efforts.
Growing Public Confidence in Peace Initiatives
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that the continued voluntary handover of firearms reflects increasing public confidence in government peace initiatives and the shared responsibility of communities in preventing violence. Delos Santos underscored that these efforts are crucial in sustaining the gains of the RFGFPCC campaign and in fostering a culture of cooperation, accountability, and lasting peace across the province of Sulu.
The 11ID, in coordination with partner agencies, remains committed to intensifying community engagement efforts, encouraging more voluntary firearm handovers, and sustaining momentum toward the realization of peaceful, stable, and progressive communities throughout the province of Sulu.
