Voluntary firearm surrender reported in Banguingui, Sulu

Sustained community engagement and coordination between security forces and local stakeholders led to a voluntary firearm surrender in the Municipality of Banguingui on 18 February, as authorities continue efforts to declare the area a Gun-Free Municipality, the Philippine Army reported Thursday.

Troops of the 104th Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, in coordination with the Banguingui Municipal Police Station, received the voluntary turnover of one Browning A5 12-gauge shotgun with five rounds of ammunition at Barangay Tainga-Bakkao.

The surrender was facilitated by Hon. Abdulbasir A. Said, Barangay Chairman of Tainga-Bakkao, along with other barangay officials, as part of ongoing dialogue and confidence-building efforts supporting the municipality’s gun-free initiatives.

Authorities said the turnover reflects the results of sustained engagement and cooperation with local leaders and communities.

The 11th Infantry Division, working with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and partner agencies, said it continues to support community-driven measures that aim to maintain public safety and promote peace across the province.