22 loose firearms, RPGs surrendered to Army in N. Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14, 2023): 22 loose firearms, RPGs surrendered to Army in N. Cotabato (By Edwin Fernandez)

DEACTIVATED GUNS. Military and police officials inspect the assorted high-powered firearms surrendered by village officials in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, in support of the government’s “Balik Baril” program on Saturday (Aug. 12, 2023). Some of the guns were from villages that are now part of the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 34IB)

PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato – The government’s campaign against loose firearms continues to gain ground in North Cotabato with village chairpersons of Pigcawayan town leading the surrender of 22 guns and explosives to the military over the weekend.

“This is in support of the government’s Balik Baril program of the government,” Dr. Vincent Tejada, Pigcawayan town administrator, said in a statement Monday.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, interior minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), witnessed the turnover program held Saturday at the headquarters of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Some of the guns were from villages that are now part of the BARMM Special Geographic Area in the province.

The chairmen collected the firearms from their respective constituents and handed them over to the military. These include a .50 Barrett sniper rifle, five 12 gauge shotguns, five rocket-propelled grenade launchers (RPGs), four 7.62-mm sniper rifles, magazines and ammunition.

Maj. Andres Sumugat Jr., Pigcawayan municipal police station chief, also lauded the village leaders for going out of their way to encourage unauthorized gun owners to surrender their firearms.

Lt. Col. Rey Rico, Army’s 34th IB commander, said the surrender of the guns will contribute to the peaceful conduct of the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections in October.

Close to 150 loose firearms have been surrendered to the military by village and local officials in the Army’s 6th Infantry Division area of operation since January this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207787