TALITAY, Maguindanao del Norte / TALAYAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Authorities on Monday, February 16, 2026, reported the successful turnover of 35 loose firearms in separate ceremonies held in Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte and Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur, marking a major boost to the government’s intensified campaign against the proliferation of illegal weapons in Central Mindanao.
The turnover was conducted under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, a nationwide initiative aimed at curbing armed violence and strengthening community security.
In Talitay, residents voluntarily surrendered 18 assorted high-powered firearms under the leadership of Mayor Sidik S. Ameril. Meanwhile, in Talayan, 17 assorted firearms were turned over through the initiative of Mayor Tungkang A. Midtimbang.
The combined 35 firearms were formally presented to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, in the presence of Lt. Col. William G. Sabado, commanding officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion.
Military officials said the achievement was the result of sustained coordination among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and local government units, highlighting a united front in promoting peace and order at the grassroots level.
“This voluntary surrender of firearms reflects the growing trust of our people in the government and the Armed Forces,” Catu said. “It shows their sincere desire to live peacefully and to actively participate in strengthening security in their communities.”
He added that community cooperation remains vital in dismantling private armed groups and preventing violence linked to loose firearms.
Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, emphasized that the successful turnover demonstrated the effectiveness of a “whole-of-nation” approach.
“The surrender of high-powered firearms reflects strong cooperation among government agencies, local leaders, and various sectors of society,” Cagara said. “We continue to encourage individuals who possess illegal weapons to take advantage of this opportunity so that together we can sustain peace and development across Central Mindanao.”
He stressed that reducing the number of loose firearms is crucial to preventing armed conflicts, election-related violence, and criminal activities in vulnerable areas.
The 6th Infantry Division reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and security efforts not only in the Bangsamoro region but throughout Central Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Military and local officials also renewed their call for individuals still holding unlicensed or undocumented firearms to cooperate with government programs, assuring them of support and protection throughout the surrender process.
Authorities said the latest turnover sends a strong message that communities are increasingly choosing dialogue, cooperation, and lawful means over violence—laying the groundwork for safer, more stable, and more prosperous towns in the region.