A TOTAL of seven firearms have been voluntarily handed over since the launch of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community campaign of the 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB) as peacebuilding efforts continue in Tapul, Sulu, officials said Thursday, April 2.
The 104IB is under the 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde) of the 11th Infantry Division (11ID) of the Philippine Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, 104IB commander, said troops from Bravo Company, led by 1st Lieutenant Jaythron Dumaga, coordinated with the Tapul Municipal Police Station to facilitate the handover of one M1 Garand rifle and one 40-mm M203 grenade launcher on Monday, March 30, in Kaumaungi and Pagatpat.
Dalumpines said civilians voluntarily handed over the firearms, which were presented by Kaumaungi Village Chairperson Nurhana Undog and Pagatpat Village Chairperson Abdulhamid Muhajil.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, 1102Bde commander, commended the cooperation of local communities and said these developments indicate growing trust in the peace initiatives of the National Government.
Delos Santos said the brigade remains committed to sustaining momentum toward achieving Rido-Free and Gun-Free communities across Sulu.
Major General Leonardo Peña, 11ID and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Orion commander, praised the troops and stakeholders, saying the voluntary handovers reflect the success of whole-of-government efforts in addressing conflict and strengthening internal stability.
Peña said the firearms handovers underscore the progress of security initiatives in Sulu as communities take an active role in fostering a stable environment. (SunStar Zamboanga)