DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — In a concrete boost to the government’s campaign against the proliferation of illegal weapons, eight assorted loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered during a formal turnover ceremony held on January 20, 2026 at the Municipal Hall in Barangay Adaon.
The activity was led by BGen Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st (UNIFIER) Brigade, together with Lt. Col. William G. Sabado, Acting Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (LAKAN) Battalion. The ceremony was facilitated by the 12th Mechanized Infantry (VIPER) Company under Cpt. Robert Jhon G. Carian.
Residents from Barangays Midtimbang, Adaon, Mapayag, Brar, Tulunan, Nunangan, and Tugal—all within Datu Anggal Midtimbang—voluntarily turned over the firearms, which were formally presented to BGen Catu and Hon. Datu Nathaniel S. Midtimbang, the town’s municipal mayor. The event was witnessed by officials and personnel of the LGU-Datu Anggal Midtimbang, PMaj. Sukarnain Kunakon, Chief of Police of the Datu Anggal Midtimbang Municipal Police Station, and Hon. Kiko Midtimbang, ABC President.
In his message, Mayor Midtimbang underscored that the voluntary surrender is a clear manifestation of the community’s unity with the government in advancing and sustaining peace and security. He expressed gratitude to the 601st Brigade and the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion for their tireless efforts and close coordination that ensured the success of the activity.
BGen Catu, for his part, thanked the barangay local government units and the municipal government for leading the initiative and for their sustained support to the anti-illegal arms campaign. He stressed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue operations to recover remaining loose firearms in communities, emphasizing that removing unauthorized weapons is vital to preventing violence and maintaining public order.
Commending the troops’ professionalism and effective collaboration with local leaders, MGen Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, said the successful turnover reflects the strong AFP–LGU partnership in pushing for lasting peace and development. He reiterated the call for residents to support the government’s drive against illegal firearms to preserve stability and tranquility across the region.