Maguindanao town execs present loose firearms to military

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2021): Maguindanao town execs present loose firearms to military (By Edwin Fernandez)

IN SAFE HANDS. Fahad Midtimbang, caretaker-mayor of Talitay, Maguindanao turns over a rifle to military officials in support of the government’s campaign against loose firearms during ceremonies Wednesday (Sept. 8, 2021) afternoon in the town. The surrendered seven high-powered weapons included a crew-served mortar launcher. (Photo courtesy of 1Mbde)

TALITAY, Maguindanao – In support of the government’s campaign against loose firearms, town officials here have voluntarily turned over seven high-powered weapons to the military that included a crew-served mortar.

Fahad Midtimbang, Talitay town caretaker-mayor, and other local officials presented to Col. Pedro Balisi, 1st Mechanized Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Samuel Nadala Jr., commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB), during ceremonies here on Wednesday afternoon.

“The firearms were collected from civilians who were not authorized to possess and carry guns,” Midtimbang said.

The surrendered firearms include one 60-mm mortar launcher, an M14 rifle, two Garand rifles, a Carbine rifle, a homemade sniper rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a homemade M79 grenade launcher.

The firearms are now in the custody of the 2MIB.

“We appreciate the cooperation by local officials in the Army campaign, please continue supporting our initiative,” Balisi said as he lauded the local officials.

Since January this year, more than 100 loose firearms have been surrendered to the military by the local officials in various towns of Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153014