DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG, Maguindanao del Sur — Ten high-powered firearms and one fragmentary hand grenade were voluntarily surrendered to government forces in a coordinated effort involving local officials and residents in the municipality of Talitay on April 27, 2026.
The weapons were turned over to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (1Mech) through an initiative led by Talitay Mayor Sedik Ameril, with the support of barangay leaders and community members. The turnover ceremony was held at the battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Midtimbang, where Lt. Col. William Sabado, commanding officer of 1Mech, formally received the firearms before presenting them to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.
Local officials present during the activity included Municipal Vice Mayor Musa S. Ameril, Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Datu Ayatullah J. Mapandala, and several barangay chairpersons, underscoring the strong collaboration between the local government and security forces.
Authorities reported that the surrendered cache included a 5.56mm M16A1 rifle with an attached 40mm M203 grenade launcher, another M16A1 rifle, a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, a 9mm Uzi submachine gun with a magazine, a 7.62mm rifle, a caliber .50 Barrett sniper rifle, a MAC-10 9mm submachine gun, and an M69 fragmentary delay hand grenade.
Military officials said the successful turnover reflects growing public cooperation in efforts to reduce the proliferation of loose firearms in conflict-affected communities. The initiative forms part of ongoing peace and security programs aimed at curbing violence and promoting stability in the province.
The military emphasized that each surrendered weapon significantly reduces the risk of its potential use in criminal activities or armed conflict, contributing to safer communities and the protection of civilian lives.
Meanwhile, top military leadership in Central Mindanao commended the development as a manifestation of strengthened coordination among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and local government units. The effort was also seen as a boost to the government’s Balik-Baril Program, which encourages individuals to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms in exchange for support and reintegration assistance.
Officials continue to call on other individuals still in possession of loose firearms to cooperate with authorities, stressing that sustained community involvement remains vital in achieving lasting peace and development across Maguindanao del Sur and neighboring areas.