During the seventh anniversary celebration of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde) on June 20, 2026, the second district of Sulu was officially declared a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC). The event also featured the ceremonial handover of 186 recovered firearms, highlighting the brigade's peace and security achievements in partnership with local government units, stakeholders, and communities.
Ceremony at Camp AKA
The celebration took place at Camp Abdurahman K. Arbison (AKA), the 1102Bde headquarters in Bual village, Luuk, Sulu. Attendees included top military, police, and government officials, as well as representatives from partner agencies and stakeholders. The event commemorated the brigade's seven years of service, recognized contributions of military personnel and stakeholders, and showcased accomplishments in supporting peace and security in Sulu's second district.
Eight Municipalities Declared RFGFPCC
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, 1102Bde commander, reported via Viber message on June 21 that eight of the 11 municipalities in the second district have been officially declared RFGFPCC. The remaining three towns are awaiting formal declaration within late June or early July, depending on stakeholder availability. Delos Santos presented the command's accomplishments under the RFGFPCC campaign during the program.
Firearms Recovery and Handover
Delos Santos presented Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and guest speaker, with 186 assorted firearms, including two 60-mm mortars and one light anti-tank weapon. Of these, 29 were recovered through Law Enforcement Support Operations (Leso) conducted in support of law enforcement agencies. Gumiran formally handed over the firearms to Sulu Second District Congressman Munir Arbison Sr., symbolizing collective commitment to sustaining peace and preventing armed violence resurgence.
Peace Covenant and Marker Unveiling
The anniversary also featured the unveiling of the RFGFPCC marker and the signing of a Peace Covenant, signifying stakeholder commitment to preserving peace and development across the second district. Delos Santos emphasized that the achievements were made possible through strong collaboration among local government units, security forces, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community stakeholders.
"The declaration of the second district of Sulu as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community is a testament to what can be achieved when local government leaders, communities, and security forces work together toward a common vision of peace," Delos Santos said. "The recovery of 186 firearms, without a single shot fired during the hand-over process, reflects the trust and confidence that our people have placed in the peace initiatives of the government."
Military and Official Reactions
Major General Leonardo Peña, 11th Infantry Division commander, lauded the 1102Bde and its partners. "The accomplishments of the 1102Bde demonstrate that peace is best achieved through partnership, dialogue, and community participation. The RFGFPCC campaign has become a model of how local leadership and community support can effectively address the root causes of conflict while promoting lasting peace and development," he said.
Congressman Arbison highlighted the vital role of local government units and communities. "The declaration of the second district of Sulu as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community is a historic milestone for our people. It reflects the unity of our local governments, community leaders, and security forces in building a safer and more prosperous future for Sulu," Arbison said.
Lieutenant General Gumiran commended the brigade and reaffirmed the Armed Forces of the Philippines' commitment. "For seven years, the 1102Bde has remained steadfast in its mission of securing communities and fostering peace in Sulu. The recovery of 186 firearms and the declaration of the Second District as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community are significant achievements that demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative governance and community-based peacebuilding efforts," Gumiran said. He added that Westmincom remains fully committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen peace, security, and development in Sulu and the region.
Awards and Recognitions
During the program, Military Merit Medals were awarded to Second Lieutenant Marco Quimson of the 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB), Technical Sergeant Augusto Yugo of the 21IB, Corporal Jhonsin Namoco of the 101IB, Second Lieutenant Jumer Guimbarda of the 104IB, Private First Class (PFC) Jerald Almario, and PFC Rejeyven Loquiño of the 104IB for their exemplary performance. Plaques of Appreciation were presented to municipal mayors of the second district and various stakeholders for their unwavering support. Gumiran also conferred the Westmincom Plaque upon the 1102Bde in recognition of its seven years of dedicated service.
Delos Santos reaffirmed the brigade's commitment to sustain the gains of the RFGFPCC campaign and continue working with local government units, partner agencies, and stakeholders in advancing peace, security, and development throughout the second district of Sulu.
