Kalinaw News: 97 Loose Firearms Surrendered as JTF Central Intensifies Campaign Against Loose Firearms in Sarangani

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 29, 2021): 97 Loose Firearms Surrendered as JTF Central Intensifies Campaign Against Loose Firearms in Sarangani



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 97 surrendered loose firearms were presented by the 603rd Infantry Brigade and 38th Infantry Battalion to the Local Chief Executives of Maitum, Sarangani Province in a simple ceremony held at the Municipal Gym, Maitum, Sarangani on July 24, 2021.

Colonel Eduardo Gubat, Commanding Officer of 603rd Infantry Brigade disclosed that the surrendered loose firearms includes 94 homemade shotguns with ammunition, two (2) M79 grenade launchers and one (1) homemade pistol. “These loose firearms came from various personalities wherein some of them are believed to be members of ‘Militiang Bayan’ under Platoon West Musa of Far South Mindanao Region,” Col. Gubat explained.

“The confiscated firearms were the results of the community support program and the sustained focus military operations conducted by the ‘We Clear Troops’ since June 9, 2021 in the barangays of Zion, Batian, Upo, and New La Union, all of Maitum, Sarangani”, said Lieutenant Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, Commanding Officer of 38IB, adding that the surrender of loose firearms is a clear manifestation that the NPA rebels is weakening in Sarangani Province as 38IB intensified its campaign against loose firearms and continues to pursue the remnants of the communist terrorists in Sarangani. The turn-over ceremony was witnessed by Maitum Mayor, Hon. Alexander Bryan Reganit, together with local Philippine National Police forces and other local officials of the said municipality. Col. Gubat on the other hand said, “the ‘Persuader Troops’ are steadfast in hunting down communist terrorists and in securing the communities from their atrocities.”

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central applauded the efforts of the 38IB and 603rd Brigade to continuously protect the residents of Sarangani Province and create an environment conducive for sustainable development and lasting peace. “Every loose firearm surrendered paved the way to save innocent lives and to secure a better future for the next generations”, Major General Uy, stated.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/97-loose-firearms-surrendered-as-jtf-central-intensifies-campaign-against-loose-firearms-in-sarangani/