In a significant development for peace-building efforts in the southern Philippines, civilians residing on Laminusa Island, part of the municipality of Siasi in Sulu province, have voluntarily turned over assorted firearms to military authorities. This collective action supports ongoing initiatives to declare the island town a gun-free and peace-centered community, as confirmed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Facilitation and Coordination of the Surrender
The voluntary surrender of firearms was meticulously facilitated by troops from the 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB), which operates under the 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde) of the 11th Infantry Division (11ID). This operation was conducted in close coordination with local village officials from Laminusa Island, ensuring community involvement and trust.
Details of the Surrendered Firearms
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, the commander of the 104IB, provided specifics on the surrendered items. The collection included one Garand rifle and two Carbine rifles, along with one magazine and thirteen rounds of caliber .30 ammunition. These firearms have been formally turned over to the 104IB for proper documentation and subsequent disposition, adhering to legal and security protocols.
Positive Outcomes of Sustained Engagement
Dalumpines emphasized that this surrender reflects the positive results of sustained dialogue, confidence-building measures, and respectful engagement between military troops and local communities. Such efforts encourage residents to actively support peaceful and lawful solutions to conflicts, fostering a safer environment.
The activity was undertaken in coordination with key local leaders, including Tengah village chairperson Rashdi Maung, Kongkong village chairperson Adekin Sarripudin, and Puukan village chief Rodia Haddari. This collaboration is part of continuing efforts to strengthen community-based peace mechanisms, ensuring that initiatives are rooted in local governance and participation.
Leadership Perspectives on Peace Building
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102Bde, highlighted the significance of this event, stating that every surrender of firearms represents a concrete step toward sustaining peace. He underscored the importance of local government unit-led initiatives, with the security sector serving as a supportive partner in these endeavors.
Meanwhile, Major General Leonardo Peña, commander of the 11ID, lauded the collaborative effort, noting that lasting peace is achieved through trust, dialogue, and shared responsibility among communities, local leaders, and security forces. This holistic approach aims to build resilient peace structures that can withstand potential threats.
Future Engagements and Peace Consolidation
Similar engagements are planned to continue across island municipalities in the region to further consolidate peace gains and prevent the resurgence of armed threats. This proactive strategy seeks to expand the success seen in Laminusa Island to other areas, promoting a broader culture of peace and security in Sulu and beyond.
The initiative in Laminusa Island serves as a model for community-driven peace efforts, demonstrating how military-civilian partnerships can lead to tangible improvements in safety and stability. As these efforts progress, they contribute to the long-term goal of establishing sustainable peace in conflict-affected regions of the Philippines.
