COTABATO CITY — This city has become the second local government in the Soccsksargen region to respond positively to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s call for the surrender of loose firearms.
Only recently, the town of Carmen in North Cotabato province turned in 102 firearms to become the first local government in the region to respond to the government’s “Balik-Baril” program.
On Wednesday, a total of 42 assorted high-powered guns were handed over by local officials, led by Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi, to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
In simple ceremonies, Guiani-Sayadi presented to Army Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the 6th Infantry Division chief, the firearms that she and other local officials had collected from residents of the city’s 37 villages.
Senior Supt. Rolly Octavio, the city police director, said the surrender of loose guns would help the city government ensure a peaceful Barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14.
Octavio said more unlicensed guns are expected to be turned over anytime as the campaign has been intensified in the city.
“I appeal to all owners of unlicensed guns to turn them over to the government, otherwise, they will be subject to law enforcement operations,” he said.
Among the firearms collected from city residents were M-203 grenade launchers, ammunition, M16 rifles, and homemade shotguns. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
