Jolo, Sulu – On March 22, 2026, civilians in the municipalities of Panamao, Luuk, and Tapul in Sulu voluntarily surrendered a total of four firearms. This act signals growing community trust in government initiatives and strengthens the ongoing campaign for Gun-Free, Rido-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities in the province.
Successful Handover in Panamao Facilitated by Barangay Officials
In Panamao, Sulu, at approximately 2:00 PM on March 22, troops from Charlie Company of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, under the leadership of 2nd Lt. Marco P. Quimson, facilitated the voluntary handover of one (1) Caliber .30 M1 Carbine Rifle in Barangay Baunoh. According to Lt. Col. Ronald Borras, Commanding Officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, the successful turnover was made possible through the initiative of Barangay Chairman Ayyub M. Sangkula, working in coordination with barangay officials and the Panamao Municipal Police Station.
Lt. Col. Borras emphasized that this collaborative effort reflects increasing community cooperation in support of peace initiatives in the region.
Luuk Achieves Handover Through Coordinated Efforts
Simultaneously, in Luuk, Sulu, troops from Alpha Company of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, under 1st Lt. Clent Mark C. Gaitera, along with personnel from the Luuk Municipal Police Station led by PCpt. Jennifer E. Buco, facilitated the voluntary handover of one (1) Caliber .30 M1 Garand Rifle in Barangay Kan Bulak.
Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, reported that the turnover, facilitated by Barangay Chairman Najir S. Hajad, was the result of sustained coordination among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units (LGUs). This coordination is aimed at advancing Luuk’s declaration as a Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Municipality.
Tapul Records First Firearm Turnover, Signifying Breakthrough
The municipality of Tapul, Sulu, recorded its first voluntary firearm handover on March 22, marking a significant breakthrough in its local peace campaign. Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry "Para sa Bayan" Battalion, reported that troops of the 104IB, in coordination with the Tapul Municipal Police Station, facilitated the turnover of one (1) Caliber .30 M1 Garand Rifle and one (1) Caliber .357 Smith & Wesson Magnum revolver from concerned civilians.
Lt. Col. Dalumpines highlighted that this development reflects growing trust in government peace initiatives, with strong support from local leaders, particularly Barangay Chairpersons Sherlmaline L. Jaalain of Barangay Hawan and Asia H. Taradji of Barangay Sumambat.
Local Leadership Emphasizes Commitment to Peace and Stability
Tapul Municipal Mayor Nasser Daud Jr. emphasized the significance of the handover, stating that it signifies the community’s renewed commitment to peace and stability. He stressed that unity and cooperation among stakeholders remain essential in achieving a conflict-free municipality.
Military Brigade Commander Praises Localized Peace Engagement
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, underscored that these voluntary handovers demonstrate the effectiveness of localized peace engagement and the strengthening partnership among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the PNP, LGUs, and the communities they serve. He emphasized that each firearm handed over represents a concrete step toward a safer and more stable Sulu, anchored on trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Joint Task Force Orion Commends Troops and Stakeholders
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, commended the troops and stakeholders for sustaining the momentum of peacebuilding efforts in Sulu. He stressed that reducing the number of loose firearms through voluntary means is crucial in preventing violence and fostering a secure environment.
Maj. Gen. Peña further emphasized that lasting peace is achieved through a whole-of-nation approach, requiring the involvement and cooperation of all sectors of society.
11th Infantry Division Continues to Promote Disarmament
The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, in close coordination with partner stakeholders, continues to encourage communities to support voluntary disarmament initiatives. This effort reinforces the collective commitment toward achieving lasting peace and fostering sustainable development across the province of Sulu.
Significance of Rido Resolution in Sulu's Peace Efforts
The reference to "Rido-Free Communities" highlights the importance of resolving clan feuds in achieving lasting peace in Sulu. "Rido," a term prevalent in Muslim Mindanao, refers to clan wars or feuds that can persist for generations, causing significant instability and hindering development. Addressing rido is a crucial component of the overall peacebuilding strategy in the region, as it directly tackles one of the root causes of conflict.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum of Peacebuilding
The voluntary surrender of firearms in Sulu represents a positive step forward in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability. Sustaining this momentum will require continued collaboration between the military, police, local government units, and the communities themselves. By fostering trust, promoting dialogue, and addressing the underlying causes of conflict, Sulu can build a more secure and prosperous future for all its residents.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division Philippine Army