THE number of loose firearms recovered by the subordinate units of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde) has totaled 237 since January 1, 2026, as another high-powered firearm was voluntarily handed over recently in Luuk, Sulu, officials said Saturday, August 22.
The voluntary handover of an M16A1 rifle on Friday, August 21, showed that the sustained implementation of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign continues to gain ground in second district of Sulu.
Lieutenant Colonel Dante Mantes, commander of the 101st Infantry Battalion, said an M16A1 with one short magazine and 18 rounds of ammunition was voluntarily handed over by alias Tating in Tubig Putih village, Luuk.
Mantes attributed the successful hand-over to sustained community engagements and close coordination among the Army, Philippine National Police, local government units, village officials, and community stakeholders in support of efforts to sustain Luuk as an RFGFPCC.
He emphasized that the active involvement of local officials remains vital to the RFGFPCC Campaign, as their direct engagement with their constituents helps strengthen community trust, encourage the voluntary hand-over of loose firearms, and promote the peaceful resolution of local conflicts.
The voluntary handover of the M16A1 rifle was facilitated by the 101IB’s Alpha Company troops led by First Lieutenant Clent Mark Gaitera, together with personnel of the Luuk Municipal Police Station under Police Major Jennifer Buco and with the active support of the Tandu Bato village council, represented by Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team member Arnold Janier.
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, 1102Bde commander, commended the 101IB, Luuk Municipal Police Station, local officials, and residents for their continued commitment to the RFGFPCC Campaign.
“Our local officials and community leaders are at the forefront of sustaining peace. Their active involvement demonstrates that lasting peace is best achieved when LGUs, the security sector, and communities work together toward a common goal,” Delos Santos said in a statement.
“The recovery of 237 firearms through peaceful means reflects the growing trust and cooperation of our people,” Delos Santos added.
He said the RFGFPCC Campaign is anchored on an LGU-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based approach, placing local governments and communities at the forefront of efforts to peacefully resolve rido, reduce the proliferation of loose firearms, and strengthen peace and security at the grassroots level.
He added that they remain committed to supporting local government units, the police, and community stakeholders in sustaining the peace gains and advancing safe, peaceful, and resilient communities throughout the province of Sulu. (SunStar Zamboanga)