Four firearms were voluntarily surrendered by civilians across three municipalities in Sulu province on March 22, 2026, signaling increased community trust in government peace initiatives and bolstering the campaign for gun-free communities in the region.
According to the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division of the Philippine Army, the simultaneous handovers occurred in the municipalities of Panamao, Luuk, and Tapul, with local officials and military personnel facilitating the voluntary surrenders. The weapons turned over included M1 Carbine and Garand rifles, as well as a revolver.
The coordinated effort represents a significant milestone in the government's broader campaign for Gun-Free, Rido-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities across Sulu province, demonstrating growing civilian cooperation with disarmament initiatives.
Panamao Barangay Chairman Facilitates First Surrender
In Panamao municipality, troops from Charlie Company of the 21st Infantry "Invincible" Battalion received one Caliber .30 M1 Carbine Rifle at approximately 2:00 PM in Barangay Baunoh. Lt. Col. Ronald Borras, the battalion's commanding officer, reported that the handover was facilitated through the initiative of Barangay Chairman Ayyub M. Sangkula.
The surrender was coordinated between barangay officials and the Panamao Municipal Police Station, with 2nd Lt. Marco P. Quimson overseeing the military component of the operation. According to the 11th Infantry Division, this cooperation reflects increasing community support for peace efforts in the area.
Luuk Municipality Records Concurrent Weapon Handover
At the same time in Luuk municipality, troops from Alpha Company of the 101st Infantry "Sajahitra" Battalion facilitated the voluntary surrender of one Caliber .30 M1 Garand Rifle in Barangay Kan Bulak. Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes, commanding officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, disclosed that the operation was conducted jointly with personnel from the Luuk Municipal Police Station under PCpt. Jennifer E. Buco.
Barangay Chairman Najir S. Hajad facilitated the turnover, which military officials described as the result of sustained coordination among the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and local government units. The handover supports Luuk's declaration as a Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Municipality.
Tapul Marks First Recorded Voluntary Firearm Surrender
The municipality of Tapul recorded its first voluntary firearm handover, marking what military officials called a breakthrough in the area's peace campaign. Lt. Col. Roy R. Dalumpines, commanding officer of the 104th Infantry "Para sa Bayan" Battalion, reported that troops coordinated with the Tapul Municipal Police Station to facilitate the surrender of two weapons from concerned civilians.
The weapons turned over in Tapul included one Caliber .30 M1 Garand Rifle and one Caliber .357 Smith & Wesson Magnum revolver. Barangay Chairpersons Sherlmaline L. Jaalain of Barangay Hawan and Asia H. Taradji of Barangay Sumambat provided support for the initiative.
Tapul Municipal Mayor Nasser Daud Jr. emphasized that the handover signifies the community's renewed commitment to peace and stability. In a statement, Mayor Daud stressed that unity and cooperation among stakeholders remain essential in achieving a conflict-free municipality.
Brigade Commander Highlights Localized Peace Engagement
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry "Ganarul" Brigade, underscored that the voluntary handovers demonstrate the effectiveness of localized peace engagement. According to the brigade commander, the surrenders reflect strengthening partnerships among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, local government units, and communities.
Delos Santos emphasized that every firearm handed over represents a concrete step toward a safer and more stable Sulu, anchored on trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility among stakeholders.
Division Commander Commends Sustained Peacebuilding Momentum
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, who serves as both commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division, commended the troops and stakeholders for sustaining the momentum of peacebuilding efforts across the province. In his statement, Peña stressed that reducing loose firearms through voluntary means is crucial in preventing violence and fostering a secure environment.
The general emphasized that lasting peace is achieved through a whole-of-nation approach, requiring coordination between military forces, law enforcement, and civilian communities. According to Peña, the March 22 handovers demonstrate the viability of voluntary disarmament as an alternative to forced confiscation.
Whole-of-Nation Approach to Peace and Security
The simultaneous firearm surrenders across three municipalities represent part of a broader government strategy to address armed conflict and violence in Sulu province. The campaign for Gun-Free, Rido-Free, and Peace-Centered Communities seeks to reduce the availability of loose firearms that can contribute to clan conflicts and criminal activities.
Military officials noted that voluntary surrenders are preferable to forced disarmament operations, as they build trust between security forces and communities while achieving the same objective of reducing weapon circulation. The March 22 operations required coordination between multiple military units, police stations, and local government officials.
Community Trust Building Through Voluntary Programs
The success of the March 22 operations, according to military sources, demonstrates growing community confidence in government peace initiatives. The participation of barangay chairmen and mayors in facilitating the handovers indicates local leadership support for disarmament efforts.
The 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division, through its authenticated statement released by Major Genesis S. Dizon, indicated that the division will continue encouraging communities to support voluntary disarmament initiatives. The division maintains close coordination with partner stakeholders to reinforce collective commitment toward lasting peace and development across Sulu.
The voluntary nature of the surrenders, facilitated through local officials rather than through military pressure, represents what commanders described as a shift in community attitudes toward weapons possession and conflict resolution in the traditionally conflict-affected region.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army