Soldiers from the 1102nd Brigade assist in clearing and rehabilitating Luuk National High School during Brigada Eskwela. Image Source: Philippine Army, 1102nd Infantry Brigade (Facebook)

As BARMM moves ahead with the formation of a newly elected parliament and allocation of development funds, Sulu remains mired in political ambiguity and administrative detachment. Its exclusion from the new regional government has created both a governance vacuum and a security dilemma—one that is increasingly being filled by an army unit.

With formal political structures within Sulu uncertain, the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade has gradually expanded its footprint—shifting from a conventional combat role into a stabilizing civic force. Operating in some of the archipelago’s most neglected and contested territories, the brigade now functions as a de facto governance presence: deterring violence, facilitating basic services, and filling institutional gaps.

Created in 2022 from units formerly assigned to the 104th Infantry Brigade, the 1102nd operates under the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and is responsible for seven municipalities—Panamao, Kalingalan Caluang, Panglima Estino, Luuk, Omar, Pata, and Banguingui. These areas, some accessible only by boat or difficult terrain, have long lacked consistent public infrastructure or coordinated governance.

Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, the brigade’s current commander, has repeatedly stressed the unit’s role in going beyond deterrence—framing it as a peacekeeping and trust-building force embedded in the communities it serves.

The brigade now functions as a de facto governance presence: deterring violence, facilitating basic services, and filling institutional gaps.

Maritime Deterrence and Livelihood Protection

In one of its most visible strategic shifts, the brigade has increased its focus on maritime interdiction and coastal protection. On April 29, 2025, the 1102nd Brigade partnered with the Philippine Navy and the local government unit (LGU) to test new fast boats acquired for coastal patrols in the island Barangay of Capual, Omar municipality. The area has long been considered a corridor for illicit trade and extremist movement.

Brig. Gen. Delos Santos stated: “These boats are not just for combat. They are for connection, safety, and access.” He added that the new maritime capabilities allow the brigade to reach isolated communities and patrol strategic waterways once vulnerable to extremist exploitation.

The expansion of sea patrols reflects the region’s topography: small, disconnected islands where livelihoods depend on fishing, seaweed farming, and inter-island trade. Past extremist incursions and pirate activity—whether by armed Abu Sayyaf remnants or opportunistic traffickers—have repeatedly disrupted these economic lifelines. By patrolling these waters, the 1102nd Brigade is not just enforcing security; it is stabilizing the maritime economy.

Recent reports indicate the patrols have deterred illegal entries and intercepted suspect vessels, though specific interdictions have not been publicly disclosed.

Civic Engagement as Strategy

Beyond deterrence, the brigade has expanded its focus to civic outreach and education-focused programs—notably through its participation in the national “Brigada Eskwela” campaign in early May. Troops assisted with clearing brush, repainting school buildings, and repairing facilities in the municipalities of Luuk and Omar. A standout initiative took place in Banguingui, where the brigade worked alongside the Coast Guard and local government on May 3, 2025, to rehabilitate the Kanmidus Elementary School.

According to local media, a school official remarked that the soldiers’ involvement reshaped community perceptions—casting them not only as security personnel but as partners in education and development. Images from the event depict uniformed soldiers restoring classrooms, removing rusted fences, and distributing materials to the teachers.

Brig. Gen. Delos Santos emphasized the significance of this shift, stating: “Brigada Eskwela represents our shift from guarding peace to growing peace” —an approach rooted in presence, participation, and rebuilding trust from the ground up.

That approach will soon include support for literacy enhancement. Following Brigada Eskwela, the brigade is coordinating with the Department of Education to launch a literacy initiative in Banguingui, The Army Literacy Program for Sulu (ALPS). The program is designed to reach underserved areas with a suite of educational offerings, including foundational literacy instruction, reading comprehension reinforcement, and integrated values-based education.

The brigade’s leadership sees such efforts as integral to reducing friction between state forces and marginalized communities—helping to build trust where formal institutions are often absent. Brig. Gen. Delos Santos emphasized that “education is a vital key to sustaining peace,” especially in regions like Sulu where communities have long “endured the impact of conflict.” He added that “a well-educated youth is less vulnerable to violence, extremism and exploitation,” drawing a clear connection between instability and radicalization. The brigade’s literacy programs and school rehabilitation efforts serve as forward defenses—not only against regional systemic failures—particularly in education—but against the very conditions that give rise to violence. “Schools are sanctuaries of hope,” Delos Santos concluded, “and we, as soldiers, are proud to protect and support them.”

As Sulu continues to adjust to its detachment from BARMM, the 1102nd Brigade has taken on a civic role that reaches beyond its military mandate. Through initiatives like school rehabilitation, literacy support, maritime patrols, and dispute mediation, it has shown how state presence—when responsive and consistent—can begin to restore public confidence.

The 1102nd Brigade has taken on a civic role that reaches beyond its military mandate.

Their dual efforts have not gone unnoticed. The provincial government of Sulu officially recognized the 1102nd Brigade for “driving positive change in the province’s security landscape and progress, and for showing respect for the cultural practices and traditions of the people of Sulu.”

Mediation, Not Just Enforcement

Extending its role beyond civic outreach, the 1102nd Brigade has also become a key player in conflict mediation. On June 21, 2025, the brigade co-facilitated the amicable settlement of a 20-year clan feud in Luuk between the Jumala and Idno families. The rido had disrupted livelihoods, displaced residents, and complicated inter-village cooperation for two decades. Its impact extended beyond the families involved, as local commerce, transportation routes, and even election participation had been constrained by lingering hostilities.

The resolution, supported by police, religious elders, and municipal officials, marked a significant breakthrough. The 1102nd Brigade's role was both logistical and symbolic—providing the security to enable dialogue and the legitimacy to reinforce its outcomes. The peace pact included symbolic offerings, community prayers, and signed declarations, reaffirming customary norms and binding agreements.

In addition to internal instability, Sulu faces mounting pressure from unresolved transnational disputes—most notably the high-profile Sabah claim and the ongoing trial involving heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu. These speculative ventures have distracted traditional power brokers, confused communities, and created space for extremist narratives to gain traction. As these self-proclaimed leaders focus outward on legacy battles and financial gain, the 1102nd Brigade has remained anchored on the ground—providing stability through presence, partnership, and a clear commitment to local peacebuilding.

Taken together, these local and transnational tensions continue to complicate Sulu’s path forward, the 1102nd Brigade stands as both a buffer and a bridge—holding the line not just against external threats but against the slow erosion of public trust. Looking ahead, the sustainability of peace in Sulu may hinge not only on military presence but on rebuilding trusted institutions. Without a long-term strategy for inclusive governance, the burden will continue to fall on units like the 1102nd Brigade—an effective but ultimately interim solution. For now, it is the institution that shows up.

As these self-proclaimed leaders focus outward on legacy battles and financial gain, the 1102nd Brigade has remained anchored on the ground—providing stability through presence, partnership, and a clear commitment to local peacebuilding.

REFERENCES

International Crisis Group. (2024). Southern Philippines: Making Peace Stick in the Bangsamoro. International Crisis Group. https://www.crisisgroup.org/

Lacson, N. (2025, June 11). Brigada Eskwela in Sulu. https://tribune.net.ph/

Philippine Army, 1102nd Infantry Brigade. (2025, May–June). Official Facebook reports and field updates. Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/

SunStar Zamboanga. (2025, June 21). 20-year feud in Luuk, Sulu amicably settled. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/

The Asia Foundation. (2024). Understanding violent extremism messaging and recruitment on social media in the Philippines. https://asiafoundation.org/