CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Thirty-nine (39) loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents from various towns in Maguindanao del Sur on October 22, 2024. On the same day, a local terrorist from the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group returned to the fold of the government, bringing with him a Cal .30 M1 Garand Rifle. The surrender ceremony was held at the 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion in Brgy. Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.
Lt. Col. Al Victor C. Burkley, Battalion Commander of 6IB, presented the surrendered firearms to Col. Ricky P. Bunayog, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 601st Brigade. The firearms included M14 Rifles, Garand Rifles, Carbine Rifles, 7.62MM Barrett Rifles, Cal .50 Barrett Sniper Rifles, R4 5.56MM Carbine Rifles, 5.56MM M16 Rifles, Cal .30 M1s, and others. These weapons were surrendered by residents from various barangays in the towns of Datu Piang, Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Datu Salibo, all in Maguindanao del Sur.
Col. Bunayog said, “The successful surrender of these loose firearms is the result of strengthened cooperation between our military and the communities. The continued support of the residents greatly aids our campaign against illegal firearms, particularly through the enhanced Information and Education Campaign (IEC) on the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program.”
Meanwhile, Major General Antonio G. Nafarrete PA, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, remarked, “The surrender of these firearms and the return of a local terrorist to the government are significant steps toward a more peaceful Mindanao. This demonstrates that with the help of local officials and citizens, we can achieve lasting peace and development in the region.”
It is worth noting that just a day earlier, on October 21, 2024, 26 loose firearms were also surrendered to the 57th Infantry Battalion through the strong cooperation of local officials in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur. These consecutive surrenders highlight the military’s effective campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms in the region.
These efforts are part of the government and military’s ongoing mission to achieve lasting peace and security in Mindanao, with the active involvement of communities and local governments.
