The campaign for Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities in Sulu province has demonstrated remarkable progress, with 95 assorted firearms voluntarily surrendered by civilians since January 1, 2026, military officials announced on April 1.
The latest developments include three additional firearms handed over on April 1 through separate engagements between military units and local stakeholders, reflecting what commanders describe as deepening public trust and growing commitment to lasting peace in the conflict-affected region.
Troops from the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion and the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, operating under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, facilitated the most recent handovers across two municipalities.
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Tapul Municipality Records Two Firearm Surrenders
In Tapul, Sulu, military personnel coordinated with the Tapul Municipal Police Station to facilitate the surrender of two short firearms at the Municipal Hall on April 1. Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry Battalion, reported that troops from Bravo Company, led by 1st Lt. Jaythron L. Dumaga, oversaw the handover process.
The surrendered weapons included one caliber .45 pistol and one caliber .38 revolver, voluntarily turned over through the initiative of local barangay officials. Hon. Nehada T. Daud of Barangay Alu Kabingaan and Hon. Abraham S. Ingoh of Barangay Kaumpang, both serving as Barangay Chairpersons, spearheaded the surrender initiative.
Military officials emphasized that the proactive involvement of local leaders demonstrates the crucial role of grassroots leadership in sustaining peace and order initiatives at the community level.
High-Powered Rifle Surrendered in Panglima Estino
Meanwhile, in Panglima Estino, Sulu, troops facilitated the handover of one high-powered M1 Garand rifle in Barangay Tiptipon. Lt. Col. Ronald A. Borras, Commanding Officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, disclosed that personnel from Bravo Company, under 1st Lt. Restituto T. Dalogdog Jr., coordinated with the Panglima Estino Municipal Police Station, led by PCpt. Bert F. Francisco.
The successful handover was made possible through the initiative of Barangay Chairperson Hon. Rowesman H. Ammar, working in coordination with other barangay officials. Military commanders highlighted this collaboration as evidence of strengthened grassroots cooperation supporting peace initiatives.
The surrender of high-powered weapons represents a significant development in the peace campaign, as such firearms have historically been associated with more serious security threats in the region.
Brigade Commander Cites Community-Level Progress
Brig. Gen. Alaric A. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, underscored that the increasing number of voluntary firearm handovers serves as a clear indicator that government peace campaigns are taking root at the community level.
According to Delos Santos, these collective efforts play an instrumental role in sustaining peace gains and preventing the resurgence of violence that has historically affected the region. The brigade commander emphasized that community participation remains essential for long-term success.
The voluntary nature of the surrenders represents a shift from previous approaches that relied primarily on military operations to recover illegal weapons.
Division Commander Praises Stakeholder Commitment
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and Joint Task Force Orion, commended both military personnel and civilian stakeholders for their continued commitment to peacebuilding efforts across Sulu province.
Peña stressed that reducing loose firearms through voluntary means remains a vital component in maintaining security and enabling long-term development initiatives across the province. The division commander noted that weapons reduction directly correlates with improved community safety and economic opportunities.
The general emphasized that sustained cooperation between military units, police forces, and local government officials has created an environment where civilians feel secure in surrendering weapons without fear of reprisal.
Campaign Targets Multiple Security Challenges
The Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities campaign addresses several interconnected security challenges that have historically affected Sulu province. Rido, or clan feuds, have been a persistent source of violence in the region, often perpetuated by the availability of firearms.
Military officials report that the campaign’s multi-faceted approach combines weapons reduction with community engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms. Local leaders play crucial roles in identifying households willing to surrender firearms and facilitating dialogue between previously conflicted parties.
The 95 weapons collected since January include both high-powered and low-powered firearms, representing a diverse range of weapons that were previously circulating in civilian communities.
Ongoing Localized Peace Engagements
The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division continues to strengthen localized peace engagements in close coordination with partner stakeholders across Sulu province. Military officials report that they are actively encouraging more communities to support initiatives promoting safety, stability, and lasting peace.
Future activities will focus on expanding the campaign to additional municipalities while maintaining momentum in areas where progress has already been achieved. Military commanders emphasized that sustainability depends on continued community participation and local government support.
The success of the voluntary surrender program has prompted military officials to consider similar approaches in other conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, where illegal weapons circulation remains a significant security concern.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Philippine Army
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