'Small arms' program nets 244 unlicensed guns in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2021): 'Small arms' program nets 244 unlicensed guns in Basilan (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

LOOSE FIREARMS. Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman (right) hands over a Garand rifle to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, after officials of the city signed on Thursday (July 22, 2021) a memorandum of understanding expressing support for the implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program. The program has resulted in the surrender of 244 loose firearms in Basilan. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Basilan)

The implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program has netted 244 loose firearms in Basilan province as all government officials in its two cities and 11 towns expressed full support for its imposition.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said Friday the last local government unit (LGU) to signify support for the program by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was Isabela City, the provincial capital.

Vinluan said the signing of the MOU on Thursday by Isabela’s city government, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, sealed the reputation of Basilan as the pioneer in the implementation of the SALW program.

The MOU signing was facilitated by Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force Basilan commander; Manny Muraip, Basilan provincial administrator; Lt. Col. Dennies Gemina of the Provincial Police Office; and Lt. Col. Alex Ampati, 4th Special Forces Battalion commander.

“We appreciate the gestures of support of the local government officials of Basilan in the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms,” Gobway said. “This exemplifies our strong inter-agency collaboration in eliminating the menaces of society.”

During the MOU signing, Capt. Mark Christian Sta. Ana of the 9th Special Forces Company, presented to Gobway and Muraip 40 assorted loose firearms that were voluntarily surrendered by residents of various barangays of Isabela City.

The firearms consisted of seven .30 caliber M1 Garand rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, five shotguns, nine .45 caliber pistols, 18 units of .38 caliber pistols, three .22 caliber pistols, and one Magnum 357 pistol.

“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan for the huge number of firearms recovered through the SALW program. 244 firearms all in all is a great accomplishment that is worthy of praise and accolade,” Vinluan said.

The other loose firearms were surrendered by residents of the other city and towns in Basilan – Lamitan City, 54; Sumisip, 34; Hadji Mohammad Ajul, 23; Maluso, 19; Ungkaya Pukan, 15; Tuburan, 12; Hadji Muhtamad, 11; Al-arka, 9; Akbar, 9; Tabun Lasa, 7; Tipo-Tipo, 7; and Lantawan, 4.

The SALW program seeks to reduce, if not eradicate, small arms and light weapons and prevent crimes in the communities.

The implementation of the SALW program is an initiative of the national government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and Joint Normalization Committee.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148055