PIÑAN, Zamboanga del Norte — A total of eleven firearms and several explosive-related materials were voluntarily surrendered by civilians to government forces as part of the ongoing Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program implemented by the Philippine Army in the province.
The turnover was facilitated by the 97th Infantry Battalion (Kalasaglahi) under the leadership of Lt. Col. Jessie G. Bergonia, commanding officer of the unit. The activity was conducted on March 4, 2026 at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Del Pilar, Piñan.
Military officials said the surrendered weapons and explosives came from various civilian individuals from the municipalities of Siayan, Leon B. Postigo, Siocon, Sirawai, and Sibuco, who voluntarily coordinated with authorities in support of government efforts to maintain peace and order in their communities.
Among the firearms surrendered were one M4 rifle; one M14 rifle with an erased serial number; two KG-9 caliber 9mm firearms without serial numbers; one shotgun with an obliterated serial number; one improvised bolt-action M16 rifle; one improvised carbine rifle; one caliber .45 pistol; and three caliber .38 revolvers with no serial numbers.
Also turned over were four empty magazines for the KG-9 firearms and three rifle grenades.
Lt. Col. Bergonia expressed gratitude to the individuals who chose to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing the importance of community participation in sustaining peace initiatives.
“We hope this will serve as an inspiration to other members of the community to support programs that promote peace and development. We sincerely thank you for your honesty and concern for the peace of our nation,” Bergonia said.
The SALW Management Program is a government initiative aimed at encouraging civilians to voluntarily surrender unregistered, undocumented, or illegal firearms and explosives to prevent violence and strengthen peace and order in communities.
Through the program, government forces seek to reduce the proliferation of loose firearms, which authorities say often contribute to criminality, armed conflict, and election-related violence in various parts of the country.
The 97th Infantry Battalion continues to strengthen coordination with local government units, government agencies, and community stakeholders to promote responsible firearm management and enhance security across Zamboanga del Norte.
Army officials emphasized that sustained cooperation between the military and local communities remains vital in building safer and more stable communities throughout the province.