COTABATO CITY, November 29, 2024 — The Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 (MBLT-5) facilitated the turnover of loose firearms and ammunition as part of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program under the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration, and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE).
The ceremony, held at the People’s Palace in Cotabato City, was presided over by Brig. Gen. Romulo D. Quemado II, Commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, alongside city representatives including Ms. Mahaleah D. Midtimbang, OIC City Administrator representing Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao, and Lt. Col. Lester Mark C. Baky, Commanding Officer of MBLT-5.
A total of 46 firearms and assorted ammunition were formally surrendered, including:
- Firearms: eight Cal. .45, seven Cal. .38, six 5.56mm rifles, five 7.62mm rifles, four Cal. .30, three Cal. .50, three 9mm rifles, two 9mm pistols, one grenade launcher, four 40mm M79s, one 60mm mortar, one 12-gauge shotgun, and one Cal. .22 firearm.
- Ammunition: 42 rounds of 5.56mm, four rounds of 7.62mm, three rounds of Cal. .50, seven rounds of Cal. .30, five rounds of Cal. .45, one round of 40mm, and associated magazines and clips.
Key stakeholders, including Cotabato City Police Office City Director Col. Michael John C. Mangahis, Acting City Director of MILG-CCFO Edgardo C. Padolina, and OPAPRU Program Manager Mr. Vincent Parrenas, attended the event. Also present were Lt. Col. Roden R. Orbon, Commanding Officer of the 6CMO Battalion, and Col. Rey C. Rico, G7 of the Joint Task Force Central.
In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Quemado emphasized the importance of the SALW program in achieving the core objectives of the Normalization Process.
“MBLT-5 remains fully committed to supporting the SALW program, in collaboration with OPAPRU and other government agencies, to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” said Brig. Gen. Quemado.
The turnover and pledge of commitment demonstrate the government’s continued efforts to address the proliferation of loose firearms in the region, contributing to a more secure and peaceful BARMM.