CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – In line with the intensified campaign against illegal firearms, more than 40 weapons were voluntarily surrendered to the 7th Infantry (Tapat) Battalion headquarters in Brgy. Kapaya, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat on March 24, 2025.
According to Lt. Col. Tristan Rey P. Vallescas, commander of the 7IB, the surrender of seven high-powered firearms, 34 low-powered firearms, and four explosives was a result of the enhanced Small and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program.
Barangay captains and local leaders from various parts of the province voluntarily turned in the weapons, which included two M79 grenade launchers, thirty-three 12-gauge shotguns, a 5.56mm rifle, a .50 caliber Barrett rifle, three rifle grenades, an RPG rocket grenade, a 7.62mm M14/single-shot rifle, a 5.56mm pistol, and a 5.56mm M16 rifle.
The surrendered firearms were officially turned over to Brigadier General Michael A. Santos, Commander of the 603rd Brigade, through Col. Ali Luis D. Macawaris, Deputy Brigade Commander. Also present at the ceremony were Police Executive Master Sergeant Mier Laguda Asug of the Bagumbayan Municipal Police Station and Hon. Noel F. Fuentes, SB Member of Bagumbayan.
Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and Joint Task Force Central (JTF-Central), commended the barangay leaders for setting a positive example in the campaign to eliminate unregistered firearms in Sultan Kudarat.
“The successful surrender of these weapons is a significant step toward a more peaceful Sultan Kudarat. It demonstrates the trust of our local leaders and citizens in our government and military. I commend the 7th Infantry Battalion for their dedication to the campaign against loose firearms. We will continue working together to maintain peace and security in our region,” Maj. Gen. Gumiran stated.
