GUINDULUNGAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Eight high-powered firearms were surrendered by residents of Guindulungan to the military on Monday as part of the ongoing Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program, a joint initiative of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local government to curb the proliferation of loose firearms in the province.
The turnover was led by 601st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu and Mayor Guiadzali Midtimbang, with residents from 11 barangays voluntarily surrendering their weapons. The surrendered firearms included one mortar, three grenade launchers, one armalite rifle, two 9mm Uzi submachine guns, and one caliber .45 pistol.
Mayor Midtimbang expressed full support for the program, emphasizing that the surrender of loose firearms is a vital step toward ensuring lasting peace, stability, and order in the municipality. “This initiative strengthens our efforts to build safer communities and prevent armed violence,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Catu lauded the cooperation of the local government and residents, noting that the program continues to gain momentum across Maguindanao del Sur. He also urged other firearm holders to surrender their unlicensed guns to authorities to avoid future law enforcement operations.
According to the military, all surrendered firearms will undergo demilitarization to ensure that they can no longer be used for any form of violence or criminal activity.
The SALW program, which promotes community-based disarmament, continues to play a key role in the government’s broader peace and security campaign in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.