CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao–Military authorities accepted a dozen loose firearms handed over by town officials of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, a military official said Wednesday.
Datu Salibo Mayor Norodin Salasal led other town officials in Tuesday’s simple ceremonies, where they turned over firearms surrendered by civilian constituents to the Army’s 601st Brigade headquarters based in Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
“The overwhelming support of the local government of Datu Salibo brought about significant accomplishments on the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in the province,” Brigadier Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the Army’s 601st brigade commander, said in his speech.
The initiative was coordinated by Datu Salibo officials with the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion in the area. The firearms included three M79 grenade launchers, four Barrett sniper rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns, one KG9 machine pistol, one M203 rifle, and one 9-mm caliber pistol.
On Monday, officials in the towns of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Sultan Sa Barongis also handed over 11 assorted firearms to the military.
Major General Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief, expressed optimism towards gaining steady peace and security in Central Mindanao through their partnership with local government units and other stakeholders.
“I strongly urge and call other towns of Maguindanao to do the same, support our campaign against loose firearms”, Sobejana said in a statement. To date, a total of 1,158 assorted loose firearms were handed over to the 6ID this year alone. ( Noel Punzalan/PNA)
