MAMASAPANO, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — The 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) recovered 11 high-powered firearms abandoned by armed men on the boundary of Barangays Pimbalakan and Tukanalipao on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
The discovery was made possible through information provided by a concerned citizen to Lt. Col. Udgie Villan, Commanding Officer of the 33IB, during a community meeting at the Barangay Gymnasium in Tukanalipao.
“Upon receiving the information about the abandoned weapons linked to Zainodin Kiaro’s group, who were evading government troops conducting a Joint Law Enforcement Operation, we immediately took action,” said Lt. Col. Villan.
The seized weapons included three Cal. 30 sniper rifles, two grenade launchers, two M16A1 rifles, a Cal. 50 sniper rifle, a Cal. 30 Garand rifle, an M14 rifle, and a Cal. 30 Carbine M1 rifle.
This operation brings the total number of confiscated loose firearms to 73 since the start of the Joint Army-PNP Law Enforcement Operation last week. The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure peaceful and orderly National and Midterm Elections next year.
Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and Joint Task Force (JTF) Central, emphasized the government’s continued efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms in Central and South-Central Mindanao.
“The 6ID and JTF Central remain steadfast in collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. Those who refuse to surrender their illegal firearms will face the full force of the law,” Maj. Gen. Nafarrete stated.
The recovery of the firearms marks another success in the government’s campaign to enhance security and uphold the rule of law in preparation for the upcoming elections.
