Troops Recover Firearms in Sulu Municipalities, Including Homemade Sniper Rifle
ZAMBOANGA. Troops have recovered three firearms, including a high-powered homemade sniper rifle, in three municipalities in the second district of Sulu from April 28 to April 30, 2026. The operations support ongoing efforts to establish Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Center Communities (RFGFPCC) in the province.
The military announced on Friday, May 1, 2026, that the firearms were recovered during a series of coordinated security and community engagements in the towns of Pandami, Banguingui, and Luuk.
Recovery in Pandami
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, commander of the 104th Infantry Battalion, reported that troops led by First Lieutenant Carl Lorenz Ebon, in coordination with the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company and the Pandami Municipal Police Station, received one caliber .45 pistol during the declaration of Parian village, Pandami, as an RFGFPCC. The firearm was voluntarily surrendered by a civilian and presented to authorities by Parian Village Chairperson Abdel Sitin.
Complementing security efforts, the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company of the 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion supported the distribution of agricultural seedlings and conducted a visitation of a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) community farm in Lapak village, Pandami. Ebon led the seedling distribution in coordination with MNLF Community Leader Asmaulla Sahidulla Bairulla. Dalumpines said they also conducted community interactions and family-oriented activities aimed at strengthening cooperation and promoting sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Recovery in Banguingui
Lieutenant Colonel Dante Mantes, commander of the 101st Infantry Battalion, said troops of the battalion's Charlie Company, led by First Lieutenant Jesson Pe aflor, facilitated the turnover of one homemade AR-10 sniper rifle without a serial number in Kahikukuk village, Banguingui, Sulu. The sniper rifle was turned over during an Information and Education Campaign (IEC) with the support of local officials, the police, and the Coast Guard.
Arrest and Recovery in Luuk
Mantes added that troops under First Lieutenant Clent Mark Gaitera arrested an individual and seized a caliber .45 pistol with five ammunition after responding to a reported illegal discharge of a firearm in Kan Mindus, Luuk. Through coordination with the Luuk Municipal Police Station, village officials, and an MNLF community leader, a land-related dispute was also peacefully settled alongside the arrest of the suspect.
Commendation from Brigade Commander
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the troops and partner stakeholders, stating, "These accomplishments reflect the growing trust and cooperation between our forces and the communities. Through sustained operations and community engagement, we continue to reduce the presence of loose firearms while promoting peaceful conflict resolution across Sulu."
He said they remain committed to strengthening partnerships with local government units, security forces, and communities to sustain peace, security, and development in the province of Sulu.
