COTABATO – The 602nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade recorded another milestone in its peace campaign after 21 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents from the municipalities of Carmen and Pikit, Cotabato, on September 12, 2025.
According to Lt. Col. Erwin Jay E. Dumaghan, Commanding Officer of the 40th Infantry (Magiting) Battalion, the firearms were turned over to their unit in Barangay Ladtingan, Pikit, Cotabato, as part of the government’s continuing effort to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons that often fuel violence in communities.
The surrendered firearms were formally presented to Brigadier General Ricky P. Bunayog, Commander of the 602nd Brigade, in line with the directive to dismantle and keep weapons of war out of the hands of armed groups.
Recovered from Carmen were six M16 rifles and one M14 rifle. From Pikit, authorities received one M16 rifle, two M203 grenade launchers, six 40mm RPGs, and five Cal. 50 Barrett rifles.
The ceremonial turnover was attended by local officials, community leaders, and personnel from the Philippine National Police.
Brig. Gen. Bunayog said the surrender of the firearms reflects the growing support of local communities in rejecting violence and upholding peace.
“This is the result of the collective efforts of our local governments, security sectors, and citizens. The 602nd Brigade will ensure that these firearms will never again be used to instill fear or disrupt peace, especially as we approach the historic BARMM Parliamentary Elections,” he said.
In a separate statement, Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, underscored the importance of the campaign against loose firearms as part of the military’s “winning the peace” strategy.
“Every weapon we neutralize translates to safer communities and a brighter future for our people,” Maj. Gen. Gumiran stressed. “This is not only a victory for the military but a triumph for the entire nation striving for genuine and lasting peace.”