NoCot village execs asked to back gov’t drive vs. unlicensed guns

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2022): NoCot village execs asked to back gov’t drive vs. unlicensed guns (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDERED UNLICENSED FIREARMS. Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, (3rd from right, 1st row), commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade poses with local officials of Carmen, North Cotabato after the turnover of firearms by town’s village officials in support of the Army’s disarmament campaign on Saturday (Jan. 29, 2022). The village officials handed over five M1 Garand rifles and two US-made Carbine rifles. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Army officials in North Cotabato have urged village officials in the province to emulate seven local executives who supported the government’s disarmament program.

Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade based in Carmen, North Cotabato, made the appeal Monday after seven village chairpersons in the area have voluntarily surrendered assorted firearms in support of the campaign against loose firearms.

“The disarmament program also forms part of the 602Bde preparation for peaceful elections this year,” Gonzales said in a statement.

Gonzales, together with Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, commander of the 90th Infantry Battalion, received the firearms from the Carmen local officials on Saturday.

He identified the town's village officials as Jimmy Cabrillo of Kibudtungan, Percival Bacudo of Aroman, Reynaldo Camique of Tonganon, Acob Guiamilil of Palanggalan, Ronald Akmad of Kibenes, Robert Baguat of Ranzo, and Pepito Calibara of Tacupan .

They handed over five M1 Garand rifles and two US-made Carbine rifles.

“The activity is part of the Balik Baril Program of our unit in partnership with the municipality of Carmen. This is to eradicate illegal firearms in our area of operation,” Mundala said in a separate statement.

Speaking for the group, village chair Cabrillo said their decision to turn over the guns signifies their full support of the government’s disarmament campaign.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Army 6th Infantry Division commander and chief of Joint Task Force Central, commended the 602Bde and 90IB for successfully convincing the village leaders to support the Army “Balik Baril” program.

Uy said he hopes other leaders in the province and the 6ID area of jurisdiction in Central Mindanao will reach out to their constituents and urge them to also voluntarily turn in their unlicensed firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166702