In a significant move towards peace and security, 36 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents at the 7th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Kapaya, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat. This action took place with the collaboration of local government units (LGUs), community leaders, and peace-inclined groups, including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
According to 7th Infantry Battalion (7th IB) Commander Lt. Col. Tristan Rey P. Vallescas, these groups have worked tirelessly to convince residents to give up unlicensed firearms as part of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, which aims to curb the spread of illegal weapons in the area.
Brigadier General Michael Santos, Commander of the 603rd Brigade, commended the local communities’ cooperation. “The ongoing surrender of loose firearms is a testament to the trust the community has in the government,” he said, noting that unity among residents, LGUs, and peace groups is essential for creating a safer, more peaceful Sultan Kudarat.
The surrendered firearms included a wide array of weapons, such as one M14 rifle, one 5.56 rifle, three M79 grenade launchers, eleven 12-gauge shotguns, a Remington Model 721 Bolt Action 30 Caliber, several pistols, and various types of ammunition.
Major General Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, expressed gratitude to the community, local government, and peace groups like the MNLF and MILF. “The continuous surrender of firearms is a testament to the program’s success in addressing the issue of loose firearms,” he stated, emphasizing the role of collective efforts in making strides toward long-lasting peace.
This event marks another achievement in the government’s SALW program, promoting unity and fostering a safer environment for all Sultan Kudarat residents.
