Basilan folks surrender 94 loose firearms
ISABELA CITY — Residents of Basilan province surrendered 94 loose firearms and presented an additional 168 firearms for recording by the military on Friday in three separate events conducted as part of the Small Arms and Light Weapons, or SALW, Management Program.
Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, said on Saturday that the surrendered firearms consisted of various calibers, including pistols and assault rifles.
The first event took place at the Maluso Gymnasium, where 30 loose firearms were surrendered and 80 assorted firearms were stenciled.
The activity was organized by Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud; Adzrie Bud, president of the Association of Barangay Captains of Maluso; and the barangay chairpersons, in coordination with Lt. Col. Abel Potutan, commanding officer of the 64th Infantry Battalion.
A similar event was held at the Buli-Buli covered court in Sumisip town. Sumisip Vice Mayor Gulam “Boy” Hataman and the barangay chairpersons surrendered seven loose firearms and presented 88 for stenciling.
Later in the afternoon, a total of 57 loose firearms were surrendered by representatives from the municipalities of Lantawan, Hadji Muhtamad, Tabuan-Lasa, and Hadji Mohammad Ajul.
Mayors Moner Manisan of Tabuan-Lasa, Arsina Kahing-Nanoh of Hadji Muhtamad, Nasser Abubakar of Lantawan, and Talib Pawaki of Hadji Mohammad Ajul were credited for their efforts, along with Lt. Col. Adolf Ian Garceron, commanding officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion.
Luzon commended the active participation of the barangay chairpersons and their continued support for the SALW program.
Joint Task Force Orion and 11th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio attended the afternoon event held at the headquarters of the 4th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Cabunbata.
Patrimonio expressed his gratitude to Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman-Salliman and the local chief executives for their significant contributions to peace and security through the SALW Management Program.