Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – October 22, 2024
A total of 26 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered to the Joint Task Force (JTF) Central during the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) held at the Municipal Gymnasium, Barangay Romongab, South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, on October 21, 2024.
The surrender was largely attributed to the efforts of the 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB), led by Acting Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Aeron Gumabao, whose intensive campaign aimed at curbing the proliferation of loose small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the municipality proved to be effective.
Among the firearms surrendered were a variety of high-powered weapons, including:
- One 5.56mm M16A1 rifle with an M2603 Grenade Launcher,
- One Cal. 30 Garand rifle,
- Three M1 Carbine rifles,
- Three 7.62mm M14 Sniper rifles,
- Three M79 Grenade Launchers,
- One Cal. 38 Revolver,
- One Cal. 22 Revolver,
- One Cal. 45 Pistol,
- One 9mm Uzi,
- Ten 12-Gauge shotguns.
The firearms were formally presented to Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, Commander of the 603rd Brigade, and Hon. Reynalbert Insular, Chairman of MTF-ELAC and Mayor of Upi.
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), praised the ongoing efforts of JTF Central to eliminate the spread of loose firearms in the area, highlighting the role of BTF-ELAC Resolution 001 in the successful implementation of the SALW management program. “The more we educate the community on the SALW management program, the more we achieve significant milestones in the reduction of loose firearms. I commend JTF Central and our community partners for their dedication to making BTF-ELAC Resolution 001 a reality. Let us continue working together for peace and development in our communities,” said Lt. Gen. Gonzales.
The surrendered firearms are temporarily stored at the 57IB for proper safekeeping and documentation as the military continues its campaign to bring peace and security to the region.
This development underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between the military and local communities in reducing armed conflict and fostering long-term peace in Maguindanao del Sur.
