SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao del Sur — In a show of solidarity with local authorities’ efforts to maintain peace and security, a resident of Barangay Papakan voluntarily surrendered a homemade UZI-type firearm, locally known as “Tongram,” to the Sultan Sa Barongis Municipal Police Station on April 10, 2025.
The surrender was made possible through the assistance of Hon. Bai Ameerah M. Matalam, Barangay Chairwoman of Papakan, who facilitated the safe turnover of the firearm. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, expressed a strong sense of civic duty by giving up the weapon — a move aimed at promoting safety and preventing potential violence in the community.
The confiscated firearm has been secured by the Sultan Sa Barongis police and is set to undergo ballistic examination at the Regional Firearms and Explosives Unit (RFU) BAR to ensure it is not linked to any criminal activity.
PCOL Ryan Bobby C. Paloma, Acting Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO), praised the resident’s decision, noting its importance in the ongoing crackdown on loose firearms.
“This commitment should inspire others in the community to participate in the ongoing campaign against loose firearms,” PCOL Paloma said, urging other residents to follow the example set by the anonymous donor.
The MDSPPO continues to strengthen its partnership with local leaders and citizens in its mission to rid communities of unlicensed firearms and maintain lasting peace throughout the province.