Another loose firearm was voluntarily handed over on July 6, 2026, in Barangay South Manobol, Pandami, Sulu, as the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) campaign of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde) continues to produce tangible results.
Voluntary Turnover of M1 Garand Rifle
The surrendered weapon, a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, was formally turned over during a simple ceremony at the village hall. Lieutenant Colonel Rey Dalumpines, commander of the 104th Infantry Battalion, said troops from the Battalion's Alpha Company, along with personnel from the 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion and the Pandami Municipal Police Station, facilitated the handover.
South Manobol Village Chairperson Delfin Silbin voluntarily surrendered the firearm in support of the RFGFPCC campaign, according to Dalumpines. The official noted that the voluntary handover underscores the increasing confidence of communities in the government's peace and security initiatives and reflects strong collaboration among the military, police, local government units, and village leaders in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms through peaceful and community-driven approaches.
Campaign Achievements Since January 2026
Since January 1, 2026, troops of the 1102Bde have facilitated the recovery of 192 assorted firearms through the sustained implementation of the RFGFPCC campaign. This effort significantly contributes to the Brigade's goal of reducing armed violence, preventing rido-related incidents, and strengthening community security across its area of responsibility in the second district of Sulu.
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102Bde, emphasized that the continuing series of voluntary firearm handovers affirms that peace is best achieved through strong partnerships with communities. "The steady increase in voluntary firearm handover reflects the trust and confidence of our people in the RFGFPCC campaign. Every firearm removed from our communities is a potential life saved and another opportunity to strengthen peace," Delos Santos said in a statement.
Community Collaboration Key to Success
Delos Santos added, "This accomplishment belongs not only to our troops but also to our local government units, the police, our barangay officials, and every peace-loving Suluanon who continues to choose dialogue, cooperation, and the rule of law over violence." He reiterated that the Brigade remains steadfast in sustaining the RFGFPCC campaign through close collaboration with local stakeholders, encouraging the voluntary handover of loose firearms while advancing community-based initiatives that promote genuine and lasting peace in Sulu.
