Loose firearms

PIAGAPO, Lanao del Sur – The local government unit here initiated the turnover of several loose high-powered firearms and ammunition to the military on Friday, March 16. Piagapo town mayor Ali Sumandar said 34 assorted firearms were surrendered by the village chiefs in response to the campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Sumandar said they hoped the surrender of the firearms would be a step towards achieving peace in the province. Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commander of the First Infantry Division, said there were about 20,000 loose firearms in Lanao del Sur, but only 1,500 were seized during the Marawi siege. (Bonita L. Ermac)