Sulu Community Leaders Help Surrender High-Powered Firearms

SIASI, Sulu — Community leaders in this southwestern municipality successfully facilitated the voluntary surrender of three high-powered firearms on March 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone in local peace-building efforts and the municipality’s commitment to maintaining a gun-free community.

According to an official statement from the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division of the Philippine Army, the surrendered weapons included one M1 Garand rifle, one M1 Carbine rifle, and one M79 grenade launcher. The turnover was received by troops from the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion operating under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade.

Community Leaders Spearhead Initiative

The voluntary surrender was orchestrated through the combined efforts of two prominent barangay officials working closely with local security forces. Hon. Mustadi Jalali, Barangay Chairman of Brgy. Duhol Tara, and Hon. Badriya J. Abdulhudi, Barangay Chairman of Brgy. Luuk Tara, coordinated with the Siasi Municipal Police Station to facilitate the peaceful handover.

Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion, confirmed that the operation was conducted through sustained community engagement and collaboration between security forces, local government units, and community leaders.

Siasi Municipal Mayor Ben Sayeed Muksan emphasized that the initiative directly supports the municipality’s ongoing Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community Campaign. The campaign represents a comprehensive approach to addressing longstanding security challenges in the region.

Municipal Task Force Implementation

The firearm surrender forms part of the continued implementation of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) at the grassroots level. This task force operates as a localized mechanism designed to address the root causes of armed conflict and promote sustainable peace in communities across the Philippines.

Mayor Muksan noted that the success of the March 10 operation demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based approaches to peace and security. The voluntary nature of the surrender indicates growing trust between residents and government institutions in the area.

The MTF-ELAC framework allows local governments to tailor peace-building strategies to their specific contexts while maintaining coordination with national security agencies and the Philippine Army’s regional commands.

Military Leadership Response

Senior military officials praised the community-driven approach that led to the successful firearm recovery. Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that voluntary surrenders reflect the strengthening partnership among communities, local leaders, and security forces.

“Such initiatives demonstrate the growing public confidence in government-led peace and security efforts,” said Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division.

The military leadership’s statements underscore the strategic importance of community cooperation in addressing security challenges in the southern Philippines, where armed groups and loose firearms have historically posed significant threats to public safety.

Regional Security Context

Sulu province has long been a focal point for military operations aimed at neutralizing terrorist groups and criminal organizations. The voluntary surrender of high-powered weapons represents a positive development in the region’s security landscape.

The M1 Garand and M1 Carbine rifles that were surrendered are World War II-era American weapons that have remained in circulation in various parts of the Philippines. The M79 grenade launcher is considered a particularly dangerous weapon capable of causing significant casualties and property damage.

The removal of these weapons from civilian possession reduces the potential for armed violence and supports broader efforts to establish lasting peace in communities that have experienced decades of conflict.

Collaborative Security Approach

The successful operation highlights the importance of multi-agency coordination in addressing security challenges. The collaboration between the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and local government units demonstrates a comprehensive approach to peace and order maintenance.

According to the 11th Infantry Division’s statement, this collaborative model will continue to guide future operations and community engagement initiatives throughout the region.

The division remains committed to supporting community-driven initiatives that promote public safety and sustain peace and development across the province, according to official statements released following the March 10 operation.

Looking Forward

The success in Siasi may serve as a model for other municipalities facing similar security challenges. The combination of strong local leadership, community trust, and effective coordination with security forces created conditions that enabled the peaceful resolution.

Local officials indicate that the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community Campaign will continue with additional initiatives planned throughout 2026. The campaign addresses not only the immediate security concerns but also the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to armed conflict.

The 11th Infantry Division has indicated its continued commitment to working with partner agencies and local communities to sustain the momentum generated by this successful operation.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 11th Infantry Division Philippine Army