Maguindanao villagers surrender loose firearms

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The military’s intensified campaign against loose firearms here is gaining ground as more firearms are voluntarily surrendered in this province in the barangay level.

Capt. John Arvin Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said at least nine highpowered firearms with ammunition clips were surrendered by local residents and a private armed group member in Maguindanao to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion stationed in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Monday.

Encinas said Barangay Chair Quiapo Dalandas of Damabalas, Datu Piang, turned over one locally made caliber 50 sniper rifle and 2 US caliber M1 Garand rifle modified into caliber 7.62 M14 rifle while Barangay Chair Edris Sindatok of Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, handed over a US caliber 30 M1 Garand rifle modified into 7.62 M14 rifle and one US 5.56 Colt M16 rifle.

Also, Mantila Tambak of Task Force Itihad of Barangay Ambadao, Datu Piang, turned over one US caliber 30 M1 Garand rifle and one US caliber 5.56 Elisco M16 rifle while a certain Abe Andal, a member of private armed group, surrendered one US caliber 5.56 Elisco M16 rifle with attached locally made M203 tube.

Brig Gen Diosdado Carreon, 601st Infantry Brigade commander who has control over the 2nd MIB, expressed his appreciation to the people of Maguindanao under his area of jurisdiction for their commendable action and genuine gesture in giving up their firearms.

He also encouraged the people who are illegally bearing firearms to voluntarily surrender.

Maj. Gen Arnel dela Vega, 6ID commander, lauded the efforts of the 601st Brigade and its battalions for their relentless campaign against illegally possessed firearms as more firearms were recovered and surrendered in Maguindanao in recent weeks.

Over the weekend, government troops managed to recover an Ingram submachine gun and M16 rifle in separate operations conducted in Datu Piang and Datu Unsay towns where a private armed group member was also arrested. (PNA)