A resident of Bas Lugus village in Lugus, Sulu, voluntarily surrendered a high-powered firearm and ammunition to government forces as authorities continue efforts to reduce loose firearms and prevent armed conflict in the province.
Nadzrie Jammang turned over a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle and one clip containing seven rounds of live ammunition to personnel of the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Battalion during a simple ceremony on September 19, 2026.
The surrender was facilitated by the battalion’s Bravo Company, led by First Lieutenant Jaythron Dumaga, who received the firearm on behalf of the Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Joelito Guanzon, acting commander of the 104th Infantry Battalion, said the voluntary turnover forms part of continuing efforts to remove loose firearms from communities and reduce the possibility of armed confrontations.
The initiative is being carried out under the Rido-Free, Gun-Free and Peace-Centered Community campaign, or RFGFPCC, which promotes dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes and cooperation among local governments, security forces, community leaders and residents.
The campaign is being implemented in Sulu’s Second District through an LGU-led, security-sector-supported and community-based approach backed by the 1102nd Infantry Brigade.
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, said the firearm surrender reflects residents’ participation in efforts to maintain peace and security in their communities.
Authorities say reducing the number of loose firearms is an important part of preventing rido, or clan-based conflicts, and other armed incidents. The campaign also seeks to encourage communities to resolve disputes through dialogue and lawful mechanisms rather than violence.
The latest surrender comes amid broader efforts in the region to encourage residents to turn over unregistered or loose firearms. Similar voluntary surrender initiatives have been conducted elsewhere in the Zamboanga Peninsula, including a June operation in which eight farmers in Zamboanga City handed over loose firearms to authorities.
For authorities in Sulu, each firearm voluntarily surrendered represents not only the removal of a weapon but also another opportunity to strengthen community participation in maintaining peace and preventing future armed conflicts.
