COTABATO CITY — Civilians of Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao on Friday yielded 30 assorted firearms in support of the government’s “Balik Baril” program.
The turnover ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato, was attended by Northern Kabuntalan town officials, led by Mayor Mary Jane Bayam.
The firearms included three Barrett sniper guns, five M14 rifles, and one M203 grenade launcher.
Lt. Col. Angelo Lutera, the 34th IB commander, said he expects more firearms from the Northern Kabuntalan area in the coming days, noting that it borders the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh, situated in the second district of the province.
Military reports indicated that several strategic sections of the vast marshland are being used as sanctuaries by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other lawless groups.
Bayam, for her part, vowed to do her best to convince her constituents to yield more loose firearms in adherence to the Army’s ongoing disarmament program in the province. (PNA)
