Camp Siongco, Awang, Maguindanao del Norte – September 25, 2024
As part of preparations for the upcoming elections, the military has ramped up its campaign against loose firearms in Cotabato City. The move is aimed at enhancing security and preventing violence during the election period, a time when loose firearms have been known to pose serious threats to public safety.
Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, Commanding Officer of the 6th Civil-Military Operations (Kasangga) Battalion, emphasized that the military has intensified its efforts under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program. The collaboration between the 6CMO Battalion and the Cotabato City Police Office resulted in the voluntary surrender of several loose firearms. A ceremonial turnover of six firearms was held at the 6CMO headquarters in PC Hill, Cotabato City, on the morning of September 25, 2024.
Among the surrendered firearms were:
- One 5.56mm AR4 Carbine
- One 5.56mm M4A1 Carbine Rifle
- One 5.56mm M4 Carbine Rifle
- One 5.56mm .223 Bushmaster
- One 5.56mm M16
The turnover ceremony was attended by key local leaders, including Hon. Datu Edris A. Pasawiran, Barangay Chairman of Kalanganan II, and Hon. Norhassim A. Pasawiran, Barangay Chairman of Bagua Mother, alongside members of the Cotabato City Police Office and the Kampilan Defense Press Corps.
Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Division Commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central), stressed that the SALW Management Program aims to foster a safer community by reducing the proliferation of loose firearms.
“The 6ID and JTF Central are pleased with the support of various government agencies, especially the police and members of the Barangay Council, in curbing the spread of loose firearms. Our collective efforts to meet the goals of the SALW Management Program will result in peace, security, and progress for the people of Cotabato City,” Maj. Gen. Nafarrete stated.
The Issue of Loose Firearms
Loose firearms have long been a concern in Cotabato City and the surrounding areas, contributing to violent incidents and criminal activities, particularly during elections. The presence of unregistered and unregulated firearms increases the risk of armed conflicts and politically motivated violence.
The SALW Management Program, a nationwide initiative, seeks to address this problem by encouraging the voluntary surrender of unlicensed firearms and implementing stricter controls on arms ownership. The program is also supported by local governments, law enforcement, and civil society organizations in an effort to ensure a more secure environment, especially during politically sensitive periods such as elections.
Authorities hope that the ongoing crackdown on loose firearms will prevent potential conflicts and create a more peaceful atmosphere for the 2024 elections in Cotabato City and the surrounding regions.
