Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – A total of nine firearms were seized by the 601st Infantry Brigade in various operations across Maguindanao del Sur this week.
In the early hours of Thursday, March 13, 2025, a joint team composed of the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), 61st Division Reconnaissance Company (61DRC), and 3rd Cavalry Company (3CAV) recovered two M16 rifles, a 12-gauge shotgun, and an M203 grenade launcher in Barangay Masulot, Sultan sa Barongis. The patrol was part of clearing operations targeting individuals linked to recent community-initiated violence in Sitio Matitik, Barangay Masulot. Information from local residents indicated sightings of those involved in the disturbances, leading to the recovery of the weapons.
Earlier, on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, separate operations conducted by the 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB) and 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) resulted in additional recoveries. The 6IB retrieved two M14 rifles during a patrol in Barangay Duaminanga, Datu Piang. Meanwhile, the 90IB received a sniper rifle and two M203 grenade launcher tubes during a Political Candidates’ Forum at the Municipal Session Hall in Barangay Limpongo, Datu Hoffer.
Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, emphasized the significance of these recoveries in preventing crimes and violence in the region. He stated that each confiscated loose firearm translates to saving innocent lives and maintaining peace and order.
Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division, commended the 601Bde troops for their intensified campaign against loose firearms. He underscored that seizing these weapons is crucial to regional security, particularly with the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections. He assured residents of Maguindanao del Sur that the military remains committed to protecting communities and ensuring peace in the area.
Authorities continue to urge individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to help maintain stability and security in the region.
