Two Cal. .30 M1 Garand rifles were voluntarily surrendered to government forces in Luuk, Sulu on March 18, 2026, coinciding with the official declaration of two barangays as gun-free and peace-centered communities. The handover marks another significant milestone in ongoing peacebuilding efforts in the conflict-affected province.
According to a statement from CPT Genesis S. Dizon of the Philippine Army, the 101st Infantry "Sajahitra" Battalion facilitated the voluntary surrender in coordination with local stakeholders. The event took place as Barangays Guimbaon and Tandu Bato were formally declared Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Communities, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to lasting peace and stability.
Military Leadership Praises Community Cooperation
Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion, emphasized the significance of the voluntary firearms handover in building community trust. He noted that the development reflects growing cooperation between residents and government forces in Barangays Guimbaon and Tandu Bato.
"The voluntary handover of firearms reflects the growing trust and cooperation of the community with government forces," Mantes said in the statement. The commanding officer attributed the success to strong collaboration among the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, barangay leadership, and the local government unit of Luuk.
The initiative highlights a shared commitment among stakeholders to sustain peace and advance gun-free, peace-centered communities throughout the municipality.
Brigade Commander Highlights Collaborative Approach
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry "Ganarul" Brigade, praised the effectiveness of sustained collaboration in advancing peace and security initiatives. According to the military statement, Delos Santos highlighted how the development demonstrates successful coordination among multiple agencies and community leaders.
The brigade commander’s remarks underscore the multi-stakeholder approach being employed in Sulu’s peacebuilding efforts. The 1102nd Infantry Brigade operates under the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division, which oversees military operations across the region.
This collaborative framework involves the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, local government units, and community leaders working together to create sustainable peace and security initiatives throughout the province.
Division Commander Emphasizes Trust Building
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, who serves as both Commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, emphasized the broader significance of the firearms surrender. According to the military statement, Peña noted that continued handovers alongside gun-free community declarations demonstrate increasing public trust in government initiatives.
"The continued handover of firearms, alongside the declaration of Gun-Free Communities, signifies increasing public trust and reinforces the government’s commitment to sustaining and expanding peace gains in Sulu," Peña stated.
The division commander’s remarks highlight how voluntary surrenders serve as indicators of successful trust-building between military forces and local communities in conflict-affected areas.
Ongoing Commitment to Peacebuilding
The Philippine Army remains committed to working closely with local government units and partner agencies to sustain stable, secure, and peace-centered environments across Sulu province. This commitment involves continuous collaborative peacebuilding efforts designed to address root causes of conflict while building community resilience.
The March 18 handover represents part of ongoing efforts to expand gun-free zones throughout conflict-affected areas. The success in Barangays Guimbaon and Tandu Bato provides a foundation for further expansion of gun-free community declarations in Sulu.
The M1 Garand rifles surrendered are World War II-era semi-automatic weapons that have remained in circulation in conflict areas across the southern Philippines.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Philippine Army/CPT Genesis S. Dizon