Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Sixteen unlicensed firearms, also known as “loose firearms,” were voluntarily surrendered to the military in Barangay Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on February 10, 2025.
According to Lt. Col. Christian V. Cabading, commander of the 92nd Infantry Battalion, the surrender of these weapons was part of the residents’ cooperation with the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program of the military, which aims to curb the proliferation of unregistered firearms in the region.
“We have the support of the 9th Field Artillery Battalion (9FAB) and the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Platoon, along with local government officials and other stakeholders. Their assistance was crucial in successfully implementing this program,” Lt. Col. Cabading stated.
Among the surrendered firearms were two .50 caliber sniper rifles, a 7.62mm sniper rifle, a 5.56mm Ultimax 100 light machine gun, a 12-gauge shotgun with an attached M203 grenade launcher, a 40mm RPG, two 40mm M203 grenade launchers, two 9mm submachine guns, a 9mm Uzi submachine gun, a .38 caliber revolver pistol, a grenade, and two RPG rounds.
Brigadier General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT), urged other local government units (LGUs) to follow the example set by the residents of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in eliminating loose firearms to prevent potential violence.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Donald M. Gumiran, division commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and Joint Task Force (JTF) Central, emphasized that the SALW Management Program seeks to ensure a safer and more peaceful community by restricting the spread of unlicensed weapons, especially as the national campaign period has commenced.
“The 6ID and JTF Central commend the support of various government agencies, residents, and barangay councils of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. Our collective efforts in implementing the SALW Management Program will foster progress, peace, and security for the people of Maguindanao del Sur,” Brig. Gen. Gumiran said.
Authorities continue to encourage communities to turn over unregistered firearms to further promote peace and security in the region.