DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte – January 13, 2026 — In a major boost to the government’s campaign against loose firearms, eleven (11) assorted high-powered and homemade weapons, including grenade launchers and explosive rounds, were voluntarily surrendered to authorities during a ceremonial turnover held Tuesday morning at the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Hall in Poblacion Dalican.
The turnover, held at around 10:00 a.m., was led by Mayor Hon. Abdulmain Abas in coordination with the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOS MPS), as part of the local government’s intensified drive to curb illegal weapons and strengthen community safety.
The firearms were voluntarily turned over by ten (10) barangay chairmen from different villages in the municipality, demonstrating strong grassroots support for peace and order initiatives.
High-Powered and Improvised Weapons Surrendered
Among the weapons surrendered were:
- Three (3) improvised or homemade sniper rifles
- Three (3) homemade M79 grenade launchers
- One (1) homemade KG9 9mm sub-machine gun
- Two (2) homemade UZI 9mm sub-machine guns
- Two (2) homemade caliber .38 revolvers
- Six (6) 40mm High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) rounds
Police said the presence of grenade launchers and HEDP rounds underscores the serious threat posed by loose firearms in conflict-prone areas.
Weapons for Ballistics, Explosives for Proper Disposal
According to PLt. Col. Esmael A. Madin, Chief of Police of DOS MPS, all surrendered firearms are currently under police custody and will be turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit – BAR for ballistic examination.
The six 40mm HEDP rounds, meanwhile, will be handed over to the Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU) Maguindanao for proper handling and disposal.
“These procedures are crucial to ensure that these weapons will never again be used to harm innocent people,” Madin said.
Strong Show of Unity from LGU, PNP, and Community
The ceremony was attended by Vice Mayor Datu Bobsteel Sinsuat, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, barangay chairmen, and key police officials including PCOL Victor G. Rito, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (MDN PPO).
Also present were personnel from RMFB 14, the 42nd Special Action Company of the 4th Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, and the Police Intelligence Unit (PIU) MDN PPO, highlighting the multi-agency support behind the operation.
Part of Broader Campaign Against Loose Firearms
Lt. Col. Madin emphasized that the surrender of these weapons is part of a broader and sustained campaign against loose firearms in the municipality.
“The cooperation of barangay officials and community members in surrendering these weapons shows their strong commitment to building a safer and more peaceful community,” Madin said.
Local officials echoed the sentiment, praising the barangay leaders for taking a proactive role in preventing violence and reducing the risk of armed conflict.
Call for Continued Cooperation
The Local Government Unit (LGU) and DOS MPS reiterated their call for residents to voluntarily surrender any unlicensed or illegal firearms in their possession.
Authorities stressed that removing weapons from communities is vital to preventing crime, election-related violence, clan feuds, and accidental harm—especially in areas with a history of armed conflict.
“This is not just about turning in weapons,” one official said. “This is about protecting lives, securing our communities, and choosing peace over violence.”
The successful turnover marks another significant step in Datu Odin Sinsuat’s efforts to maintain peace, order, and public safety across the municipality.