575 loose guns seized in Mindanao

At least 575 unlicensed guns were recovered in Mindanao in January and February, the military announced yesterday.

Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said 187 of the guns were surrendered by local officials in Talipao, Parang, Omar, Indanan, Maimbung, Jolo and Patikul in Sulu. The guns were presented to the Western Mindanao Command on Tuesday.

Talipao Mayor Nebukadnezar Tulawie surrendered 57 rifles – 41 M16s, three AR15s, 12 M1 Garand and an M14 – as well as two grenade launchers.

Records show that from Jan. 1 to March 3, 192 unlicensed firearms were surrendered in Zamboanga City, 52 in Sulu, 30 in Zamboanga peninsula and Lanao provinces and 114 in Central Mindanao.

Garcia said the campaign against loose firearms aims to prevent clan wars, disarm private armed groups and prevent terror groups from acquiring weapons.

“This program is in collaboration with local government units, religious scholars and prominent clans to appropriately address issues being used by violent extremists in their recruitment,” he said.

Garcia said they are also enhancing the joint AFP-Philippine National Police civil relations committee, citing the conduct of the National Youth and National Indigenous Peoples leaders’ summits.