Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (May 2, 2019):
Loose firearms handed over to troops in Sultan Kudarat
The officials of the different barangays of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat surrendered 49 loose firearms to the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maaasahan) Brigade through the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Makasag) Battalion on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.
The ceremony was held at the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) Office of said municipality.
The effort is part of the intensified campaign of the brigade against loose firearms in the area of responsibility to maintain peace, security and order in the community and in preparation for the upcoming National and Local Elections.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Alvin G. Iyog, Commanding Officer of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, the handing over of loose firearms to the unit was a result of the effective collaboration with the local leaders and the intensified stakeholders’ engagement.
The 49 loose firearms were handed over to Colonel Efren Baluyot, Commander of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, by Lambayong Municipal Mayor Ramon M. Abalos and ABC President Norhato P. Sanday.
In his message, Colonel Baluyot lauded the effort of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the cooperation of barangay officials that led to the successful surrender of the loose firearms.
“This handover ceremony of loose firearms is a demonstration of your commitment and sincerity to help us in achieving a peaceful, secured and progressive community. It is also a very clear indication that the dream of having peaceful community for our children will be attained soon as long as we collaborate and help each other,” Colonel Baluyot said.
Colonel Baluyot added that the campaign against loose firearms will continue in the brigade’s area of responsibility to prevent the occurrence criminalities and disorders in the community.
He also urged the local officials to cooperate for the good of the community.
Firearms surrendered from the different barangays of Lambayong include: 21 gauge shotguns, 6 Caliber .38 Pistol, 5 Caliber .45mm Pistol, 1 Caliber .30 Sniper Rifle, 2 Caliber .22 rifle, 1 Caliber .22 Pistol, 1 9mm Rifle, 1 Caliber .50 Barret, 1 RPG, 5 M79, 3 Uzi, 2 Ingrams, 4 grenade, 2 Rifle Grenade, 1 hand grenade and 1 RPG ammunition.
Also present during the ceremonial turnover were officials from the 26 barangays of Lambayong.
Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Central commander, Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, commended the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the local officials of Lambayong for their strong collaboration and support on the campaign against loose firearms in the province.
“Everyone wanted to embrace a peaceful and progressive community and with that, we will go-all out to convince more residents to surrender unlicensed firearms, the success of our campaign will surely be realized with the help and support of our local leaders,” Major General Sobejana said.
The loose firearms are kept in the custody of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion for safeguarding prior turnover to higher headquarters.
“We would like to acknowledge the local government units and other stakeholders for your untiring support to our campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“I also commend the troops for your relentless efforts that lead to the accomplishment of our mission,” LtGen Dela Vega added.
