Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur – November 9, 2024 — A proactive community partnership initiative led by local police has resulted in the voluntary surrender of four high-powered firearms in Datu Saudi Ampatuan. This significant achievement, part of an ongoing campaign to enhance public safety and secure unlicensed firearms, involved close cooperation between the Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and Barangay Chairman Hon. Ibrahim A. Guno of Brooklyn Dapiawan.
The firearms, which had initially been turned over to Chairman Guno by community members, included the following:
- One M16 rifle (Serial Number: DL129409), marked “AFP property, Cal. 223-556 MM,” without a magazine.
- One M16 rifle (Serial Number: 00824), marked “HK CAL. 5.56mmx45,” without a magazine.
- One M16 rifle (Serial Number: 00824), marked “HK416D, CAL 5.56mmx45.”
- One M16 rifle (Serial Number: L889268), marked “BUSHMASTER, CAL. 223-5.56mm MOD. XM15-E2S,” without a magazine.
The handover took place at the Datu Saudi Ampatuan MPS and was the culmination of a series of strategic dialogues between local police and barangay officials. These discussions have been instrumental in encouraging local leaders to foster voluntary firearm surrender within their communities, contributing to crime prevention efforts and creating safer neighborhoods.
The surrendered firearms are currently under the custody of the Datu Saudi Ampatuan MPS, where they are being documented. They will be forwarded to the Provincial Supply and Accountable Office (PSAO) of the Maguindanao Del Sur Provincial Police Office for safekeeping.
PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of PRO BAR, praised the dedication and collaboration of both police officers and community leaders. He highlighted the importance of these partnerships, noting that ongoing dialogue and trust between law enforcement and local officials are essential to building safer communities across the region.
This success story underscores the power of collective action in addressing security challenges and the critical role of community leadership in sustaining peace efforts across Maguindanao del Sur.
