DATU ABDULLAH SANGKI, Maguindanao del Sur — A cache of high-powered firearms believed to belong to an armed group was recovered by the military Saturday morning in Barangay Mao, a remote area of Datu Abdullah Sangki.
According to the 6th Infantry Division, troops from the 60th Infantry Brigade responded to a report from concerned civilians who discovered the firearms abandoned in the area around 8:30 AM. The seized items included an M60 general-purpose machine gun, five rifles, several magazines, three bandoliers, and assorted ammunition.
Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the swift action and cooperation of the local population were instrumental in preventing potential violence—especially critical with the upcoming elections. “The timely report from civilians played a key role in this successful recovery operation,” Orbon stated.
He added that the likely reason the firearms were abandoned was the increasing visibility and operations of military forces in various parts of Maguindanao del Sur, which may have pressured armed groups to flee and leave behind their weapons.
Commentary: A Stark Reminder of a Persistent Problem
This latest recovery serves as one solid proof of the continuing proliferation of illegal firearms in the region despite the government’s intensified disarmament and anti-insurgency campaigns. The presence of such high-powered weaponry, particularly in the lead-up to elections, raises serious concerns about the safety of civilians and the potential for political violence.
The fact that civilians were the first to report the find is commendable, but it also underscores the grim reality that communities are still vulnerable to the activities of armed groups. While the military’s presence may have deterred a possible violent incident this time, the long-term solution must go beyond mere confiscations. A more comprehensive approach is needed—one that addresses the sources and networks that allow the circulation of these weapons, and strengthens the capacity of local institutions to maintain peace and security.
The recovery in Barangay Mao is not an isolated incident—it is a warning. The government must treat it as such.