Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur — In a significant step toward promoting peace and security, local officials and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Makasag) Battalion, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Jerome D. Peñalosa, organized a turnover of loose firearms in Guindulungan as part of the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) initiative. This program aims to reduce the number of unauthorized firearms in the community, addressing potential threats of violence.
The handover ceremony, held on October 24, 2024, was led by Mayor Midpantao M. Midtimbang Jr., with the participation of several barangay chairpersons from the municipality. The event was also supported by Brigadier General Oriel L. Pangcog, Brigade Commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, reinforcing the commitment of both military and local government to this peace-building initiative.
Several barangays from Guindulungan turned over firearms during the ceremony. Among the surrendered weapons were:
- One (1) Thomgram with serial number 0731123 from Barangay Bagan
- One (1) Ultimax Cal. 30 with serial number 11176 from Barangay Muti
- One (1) M203 from Barangay Lambayao
- Two (2) Improvised M79s, one each from Barangay Sampao and Barangay Macasampen
- One (1) Improvised KG9 Cal. 45 from Barangay Kateman
- One (1) Improvised Shotgun from Barangay Datal Pandan
- Another Thomgram from Barangay Tambunan II
- One (1) Improvised KG9 from Barangay Muslim
- One (1) Improvised Shotgun from Barangay Kalumamis
This turnover of loose firearms is part of the continuing efforts by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion to address the proliferation of illegal firearms in the community. By surrendering these weapons, local leaders and their constituents have shown their commitment to peace, security, and the betterment of Maguindanao del Sur.
Lt. Col. Peñalosa praised the community’s cooperation, highlighting the importance of these collective efforts in maintaining peace and order in the region. “This act of responsibility demonstrates the strong resolve of the people of Guindulungan to pursue peace and build a safer environment for future generations,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Pangcog echoed these sentiments, expressing his gratitude to the local government for its unwavering support in the fight against illegal firearms. He reiterated the military’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with communities to ensure that the region remains free from the dangers posed by loose firearms.
The Balik-Baril program is a crucial part of the government’s strategy to maintain stability in conflict-affected areas like Maguindanao, fostering a peaceful and prosperous future for its residents.
