ZAMBOANGA. Troops facilitated the surrender of a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle after arresting the suspect behind an indiscriminate firing incident on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Sitio Button, Siganggang village, Pandami, Sulu. The swift operation prevented further escalation of violence and highlighted the effectiveness of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) campaign, officials said.
Arrest and Recovery
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, commander of the 104th Infantry Battalion, stated that troops from Alpha Company led by First Lieutenant Carl Lorenz Ebon, in coordination with police, arrested the suspect, alias Ben, after responding to the reported incident. Investigation revealed that Ben fired his firearm following a misunderstanding involving a cow tied near a resident's house. The incident escalated after the rope restraining the animal was cut, prompting the suspect to indiscriminately discharge his firearm.
Following the arrest, military and police personnel facilitated the voluntary surrender of one caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle with five rounds of live ammunition at Camp Muksan, the 104IB headquarters in East Kuntad village, Siasi, Sulu.
Community Cooperation
Dalumpines emphasized that the successful operation underscores the effectiveness of the RFGFPCC campaign in addressing local conflicts before they escalate into violence. “This accomplishment reflects the strong cooperation among the military, police, local leaders, and the community under our RFGFPCC campaign,” he said. “Through sustained collaboration and immediate response, we were able to prevent further violence and encourage the voluntary surrender of loose firearms.”
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the troops and stakeholders involved. “The RFGFPCC campaign continues to prove that peace and security can be achieved through unity, political will, and community cooperation,” Delos Santos said. “We will continue to intensify our efforts to recover loose firearms and resolve conflicts peacefully to sustain the gains of peace in Sulu.”
