Military receives more loose firearms in Maguindanao, Lanao
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) reported that another 106 firearms were surrendered by officials and locals from four municipalities in Maguindanao to the Joint Task Force Central on Monday and Tuesday.
AFP-WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., said Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Central also received 100 guns from the officials of Mamasapano, Pagalungan and Datu Montawal towns.
The turnover coincided with the visit of President Duterte in Sulu Monday. The surrender of firearms was part of the “Balik Baril” program of the Maguindanao government amid the intensified military campaign against loose firearms following the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.
Galvez also said 81 high-powered and low-powered firearms were voluntarily handed-over by residents and officials of three municipalities of Lanao del Sur to Maj Gen Roseller Murillo, commander of Joint Task Force Zampelan.
Fifty-four firearms were voluntarily turned-over by residents of Lumba Bayabao and Masiu in Lanao del Sur in a simple ceremony in the town halls of both municipalities, Saturday, March 24 while another 27 loose firearms were also handed over by the people of Maguing, Lanao del Sur to Lt. Col. Rizaldo Laurena, commander of the 63rd Infantry Battalion.
“This endeavor was made possible through the continuous collaboration of our infantry units and the local chief executives of Lumba Bayabao and Masiu municipalities relative to the national campaign against loose FAs,” Murillo said.
Among the firearms that were surrendered were caliber-5.56 rifles; caliver7.62 rifles; caliber .30, M1, and M2 carbine rifles; and shot guns.
In 2018 alone, 293 undocumented firearms were turned over to authorities in Maguindanao.
“We would like to reiterate our call to all peace-loving people of Western Mindanao to cooperate in the President’s campaign to clear the country of undocumented firearms,” Galvez said.
He told gun holders to surrender their illegal firearms soon “while you can still be free from the legal liabilities. Once the probation period is over, you will be legally charged if firearms are recovered in your possession. Decide now and become a part of the effort to bring peace in Mindanao and in the entire country.”