BULUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — A total of 271 assorted loose firearms, including high-powered weapons such as a .50 caliber machine gun and 57RR recoilless rifle, were formally destroyed by the military and the provincial government on Thursday as part of the intensified Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program.
The demilitarization ceremony, held at the Provincial Capitol in Buluan, was led by Maguindanao del Sur Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang, the 601st Infantry Brigade, and 6th Infantry Division (6ID) Commander MGen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, together with top provincial officials and law enforcement units.
Proof of Progress in Disarmament Efforts
The firearms—surrendered by residents from 15 municipalities under the 601st Brigade—were publicly presented as evidence of the continuing success of the government’s “Balik-Baril” and SALW programs. Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Brigade, said the guns were collected from January to November 2025.
“These weapons will no longer return to the community nor be used for violence,” Catu emphasized, noting that over 300 firearms were recovered in total, although only 271 could be brought to the capitol due to space limitations. All recovered firearms will undergo destruction to ensure they cannot be reused.
Residents Cooperate for Peace
Governor Midtimbang lauded the active participation of Bangsamoro residents, calling the mass surrender of weapons “a clear sign that our people want lasting peace.”
He added that the ceremony reinforces the provincial government’s commitment to ending illegal gun ownership and reducing armed conflict in the region.
Maguindanao del Sur Congressman Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, LMP President Mayor Nath Midtimbang, barangay officials, local chief executives, PNP personnel, and other sectors also witnessed the event.
Support for Former Gun Holders
As part of the reintegration program, the provincial government distributed rice and livelihood assistance to individuals who surrendered their firearms. Training support was also provided to help them transition to productive and peaceful community roles.
Presidential Assistant for Bangsamoro Transformation PA David Diciano and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan joined in recognizing the beneficiaries.
Call for Continued Cooperation
Authorities continue to urge individuals still in possession of loose or unlicensed firearms to voluntarily surrender them to the military or PNP, stressing that peace and safety in the province largely depend on disarmament.
Governor Midtimbang reaffirmed: “We thank the public for their cooperation. Together, we are building a safer, more peaceful Maguindanao del Sur.”