UPI, Maguindanao del Norte — In a major show of support for peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region, around 600 high- and low-powered firearms were surrendered by residents of Upi since November last year, according to the 57th Infantry Battalion, Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST), and the Local Government Unit (LGU).
The military said the voluntary surrender of loose firearms reflects the community’s strong commitment to the ongoing peace initiatives in the province and across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The collected firearms were presented during the ASPIRE Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Caravan, a key event promoting the government’s disarmament and reintegration efforts.
The surrendered weapons will be processed under the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM or ASPIRE program. This initiative provides support to individuals or communities based on the assessed value of the firearms they turn in.
The ASPIRE program is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the Government of Japan. It seeks to reduce the number of loose firearms and strengthen long-term peace and security in the region.
The 57th Infantry Battalion also invited the public to join the ASPIRE SALW Caravan and take advantage of the convenient and hassle-free License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) renewal services today November 6, 2025, at the Municipal Gymnasium of Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.
Both law enforcement officers and civilians are encouraged to comply with firearm licensing requirements, including the LTOPF application form, affidavit of undertaking, national police clearance, drug test, and neuro-psychiatric examination for civilian applicants.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security in Upi, stressing that disarmament remains a vital step toward achieving lasting stability and development in the Bangsamoro region.