18 loose firearms surrendered to military in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2021): 18 loose firearms surrendered to military in NoCot (By Noel Punzalan)

LOOSE FIREARMS. Village officials of Midsayap, North Cotabato led by Vice Mayor Manuel Rabara hands on Tuesday (June 22, 2021) turn over 18 loose firearms collected from 10 villages of the town. Nearly 100 assorted firearms were surrendered by local government units to military and police units in Central Mindanao since January this year. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Eighteen loose firearms were turned over by several barangay officials of Midsayap, North Cotabato to military and police authorities here Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (602Bde), received the high-powered firearms collected by the village chiefs of 10 barangays.

“This is the result of the concerted efforts of the local government unit of Midsayap together with the barangay leaders who supported the government’s campaign against loose firearms,” Capulong said.

The simple turnover ceremony at the Sangguniang Bayan Social Hall of Midsayap was witnessed by Midsayap Vice Mayor Manuel Rabara and other local officials.

The surrendered firearms included a Bushmaster rifle; a 40mm grenade launcher; a Garand rifle, two 50mm rifles; an M79 grenade launcher; two M14 rifles; three sniper rifles; a 12-gauge shotgun; a .38-caliber revolver; five .45-caliber pistols, and various ammunition.

Data from the military showed that local officials from nearby Kabacan town, also in North Cotabato, also turned over seven assorted firearms to the 602Bde on May 20.

“This brings to 25 loose firearms surrendered by local government units (LGUs) in North Cotabato to state forces in a month’s time,” Capulong said.

Since January this year, nearly 100 firearms were surrendered by LGUs in Central Mindanao to both military and police authorities.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander and concurrent chief of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), has fully recognized the gesture of support of the LGUs to the government campaign against loose firearms.

“This exemplifies the harmonious relationship among the peace advocates, the security sector, local officials and leaders, and the communities in the region,” he said.

Uy said the 6ID and the JTFC will continuously work with partners from the civilian government agencies and organizations to address and ultimately end armed lawless threats against the peace-loving communities in North Cotabato and the rest of the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144606