Illegally possessed firearms handed over in Datu Salibo town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 26, 2019): Illegally possessed firearms handed over in Datu Salibo town

Thirteen high-powered loose firearms were recently handed-over to 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion by the local government of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

The firearms were turned over in a ceremony during the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting led by Hon. Mayor Norodin Salasal. These were received by 601st Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Joel Abregana and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. James Fernando.

Handed loose firearms were one 7.62 Barrett sniper rifle, one cal. 30, one rocket propelled grenade launcher, one 7.62mm M14 rifle (modified), one 9mm (KG9), one cal. 9mm UZI, and seven M79 grenade launchers.

The owner of firearms decided to surrender not only to support the government’s campaign against loose firearms but also to avoid being charged of illegal possession of firearms.

Mayor Salasal said that the firearms handed over to the authorities will contribute greatly in achieving a peaceful and promoting a friendly society in Datu Salibo.

The recent accomplishment was a result of the intensified efforts of the 57th Infantry Battalion in cooperation with the LGU and its barangay officials.

“The voluntary hand over of loose firearms is one of the good signs of promoting peace in Datu Salibo and in the society as well,” said Lt. Col. Fernando.

The ceremony was witnessed by Maguindanao OIC Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Ronald Briones, Datu Salibo Vice-Mayor Ingkong Mamantal, ABC President, Barangay chairmen of 17 barangays of Datu Salibo, and other constituents who were present during the MPOC meeting.

Meanwhile, the commander of 6th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commended the efforts of Datu Salibo LGU in its cooperation with the government in the campaign against loose firearms.

This is the third time that Datu Salibo formally handed over firearms. Last year, 22 firearms were surrendered.

As of today, a total of 1,990 were recovered and handed over to 6th ID’s area of jurisdiction. (DPAO, 6ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1018978