The Municipality of Luuk in Sulu Province achieved a historic milestone on April 25, 2026, as it was officially declared a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) during a ceremonial gathering at Mans Beach, according to the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division Philippine Army.
The declaration ceremony brought together local government officials, security sector representatives, and community members, demonstrating unified commitment to establishing lasting peace and stability in the municipality.
Ms. Jane Jamaluddin, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) of Luuk, welcomed attendees and emphasized the collaborative nature of this achievement. She stressed that maintaining peace requires ongoing cooperation among all stakeholders and active participation from the community.
Formal Declaration and Military Leadership Support
The ceremony's centerpiece was the formal reading of the declaration by Hon. Marijhun G. Arbison, Municipal Vice Mayor of Luuk, who officially recognized the municipality's transformation into a peaceful and conflict-resilient community.
Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry "Sajahitra" Battalion, addressed the gathering by highlighting how this achievement reflects the community's deliberate choice to embrace peace. He assured attendees of continued military support to protect and maintain these hard-won gains.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry "Ganarul" Brigade, spoke about the critical importance of unity and vigilance in sustaining peace efforts. He emphasized that these qualities are essential for ensuring long-term stability and progress throughout the municipality.
Division Commander Commends Community Commitment
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, praised the people of Luuk for their unwavering support of peace initiatives. He noted that the declaration represents not an endpoint, but rather the beginning of greater responsibility to preserve peace and security.
According to the statement authenticated by Maj. Genesis S. Dizon, Maj. Gen. Peña assured continued Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) support for development and peacebuilding efforts throughout Sulu Province.
Hon. Abdusakur M. Tan, Vice Governor of Sulu, reinforced the unity message by stressing the interconnected relationship between peace and progress. He encouraged both community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and cooperative in maintaining the municipality's newly achieved peaceful status.
Symbolic Ceremonies Mark Commitment to Disarmament
The April 25 ceremony featured several symbolic elements designed to demonstrate the community's commitment to its new peaceful status. A ceremonial turnover of firearms took place, representing the community's dedication to disarmament and non-violence.
Following the firearms turnover, stakeholders participated in the signing of a Peace Covenant, formalizing their collective commitment to maintaining the municipality's peaceful transformation. This covenant serves as a binding agreement among all parties to uphold the principles of the RFGFPCC designation.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of an RFGFPCC marker, which will serve as a permanent reminder of the community's achievement. The release of white doves provided a powerful visual symbol of hope, unity, and the shared vision for a peaceful future that all stakeholders have committed to pursuing.
Multi-Sector Partnership Model for Peace
The successful declaration of Luuk as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships between multiple sectors. The achievement represents coordinated efforts between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, local government units, and the residents of Sulu.
This multi-sector approach has been identified as crucial for advancing broader goals of creating a safer, more stable, and progressive province throughout Sulu. The model established in Luuk may serve as a template for similar peace initiatives in other municipalities facing security challenges.
Significance of RFGFPCC Designation
The Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community designation represents a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution and community development. Rido refers to clan feuding that has historically affected peace and stability in various parts of Mindanao, particularly in Muslim-majority areas.
By achieving this designation, Luuk has demonstrated its commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means rather than violence. The gun-free aspect indicates successful disarmament efforts and community agreement to reject the use of firearms for settling disputes.
The peace-centered component emphasizes the community's proactive approach to maintaining harmony and preventing future conflicts through dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility among all residents and stakeholders.
Continuing Responsibilities and Future Outlook
Military and local government leaders emphasized that the RFGFPCC declaration marks the beginning of ongoing responsibilities rather than the completion of peace efforts. Sustaining this achievement will require continued vigilance, cooperation, and active participation from all community members.
The Philippine military has committed to providing ongoing support for development and peacebuilding initiatives in Luuk and throughout Sulu Province. This support is expected to include both security assistance and development programs designed to strengthen the foundations of lasting peace.
The ceremony at Mans Beach on April 25, 2026, represents a significant step forward for Sulu Province's overall stability and development prospects. The success in Luuk demonstrates that collaborative approaches to peacebuilding can achieve meaningful results when supported by strong partnerships between military, government, and civilian stakeholders.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 11th Infantry Division Philippine Army