THE surrender of three high-powered firearms marked the launching of the Gun-Free and Peace-Center Community Campaign that seeks to address the widespread presence of loose firearms, particularly in conflict-affected villages across Sulu.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde) launched the campaign on Sunday, June 8, in Panamao, Sulu, marking the start of a new chapter in the quest for lasting peace in the province.
Colonel Alex Gagula, 1102Bde deputy commander, represented Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, 1102Bde commander, in leading the kickoff ceremony alongside key stakeholders.
The three high-powered firearms -- three Garand rifles -- were surrendered by the municipality of Panamao to Gagula during the launch of the campaign.
In delivering Delos Santos’ keynote message, Gagula emphasized the campaign’s essence not merely as a military initiative but as a community-driven movement toward disarmament, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
“Today, we mark more than the launching of a campaign—we mark the beginning of hope. A turning point. A declaration that we, the people of Sulu, are ready to break free from the cycle of violence and walk hand in hand towards a future built on peace, not fear,” Gagula said, quoting Delos Santos.
The message of Delos Santos highlighted the collaborative efforts that brought the campaign to life, singling out the contributions of Lieutenant Colonel Homer Estolas, 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB) commander, and Panamao Municipal Mayor Al-Frazier Abdurajak.
Estolas was praised for his unit’s community groundwork and peaceful engagements with former combatants, while Abdurajak was recognized for his firm leadership in mobilizing the local population in favor of peace.
“Your leadership in mobilizing the community and your firm stand against violence send a powerful message -- not only to Panamao but to the entire province,” Gagula said.
He said the goal of the campaign is to nurture an environment where communities are free from the fear of armed violence and focused instead on unity and progress.
“Every loose firearm in our community represents a threat to peace, a potential loss of life, and a setback to progress. Real power lies not in the trigger of a gun -- but in the unity of a community,” he said.
Gagula conveyed Delos Santos’ call to action for local leaders, youth, families, and civil society stakeholders to take part in shaping a safer and more peaceful Sulu—assuring them of the continued support and partnership of the Armed Forces.
“Kapag may baril, may takot. Kapag may kapayapaan, may pag-asa (When there are guns, there is fear. When there is peace, there is hope). Let us choose hope. Let us choose peace,” Gagula added.
The event culminated in a symbolic unity pledge, affirming the collective commitment to a gun-free and peace-centered Panamao—one that local leaders hope will ripple throughout the rest of the province of Sulu.
Present during the launch of the campaign were representatives from the Sulu Provincial Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (PTF-Elac), local chief executives, religious and community leaders, civil society organizations, and peace partners from the Nonviolent Peaceforce. (SunStar Zamboanga)