TALITAY, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR – The local government of Talitay, under the leadership of Mayor Sedik Ameril, successfully facilitated the surrender and formal turnover of 12 high-powered firearms on October 27, 2025, as part of the government’s ongoing peace and order campaign.
The surrendered firearms came from residents of various barangays in Talitay, who voluntarily turned them over to express their support for the government’s advocacy of peace, security, and development in the Bangsamoro region.
Among the surrendered weapons were two 7.62mm sniper rifles, one 7.62mm rifle, five 40mm M79 grenade launchers, one 40mm grenade launcher, one Cal .30 M1 carbine rifle, and one Cal .30 M1 Garand rifle.
The ceremonial turnover was formally received by Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, alongside Lt. Col. Robert F. Betita, Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Cpt. Robert Jhong G. Carian of the 12th Mechanized Infantry Company, PCPT Rama Jr., Chief of Police of Talitay MPS, Vice Mayor Musa S. Ameril, Hon. Datu Ayatullah J. Mapandala, ABC President, and other local government officials.
Lt. Col. Betita lauded the residents for their cooperation, emphasizing that the success was a testament to the collective effort of the military, police, and local government in promoting peace and security in Talitay.
“This achievement is a clear result of unity and cooperation among our soldiers, police, and local officials. The voluntary surrender of firearms shows the people’s desire to join the government’s peace initiatives. We encourage others to follow this example to ensure lasting peace and progress in our town,” Lt. Col. Betita said.
Brig. Gen. Catu, for his part, said the event demonstrated the people’s growing trust in the rule of law and the government’s peace efforts.
“The voluntary surrender of firearms from various barangays of Talitay is proof of the people’s trust in the government and its programs. The 601st Brigade will continue to work closely with local leaders, the PNP, and other agencies to end the culture of violence and illegal possession of firearms in our area,” Catu stated.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, commended all stakeholders for their unity in promoting peace.
“I commend the leadership of the 601st Brigade, the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and the local government of Talitay for this successful balik-baril ceremony. Through the surrender of loose firearms, we are gradually erasing fear and violence in the region. I urge everyone to continue trusting the government and working together for a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro,” Gumiran said.
The activity forms part of the government’s Sustained Campaign on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program, which encourages civilians to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms to help promote peace, stability, and community development.