CAMP SANG-AN, Zamboanga del Sur — The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division has stepped up its campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in Lanao del Sur, following the successful turnover and surrender of assorted weapons and ammunition in separate operations conducted on April 13 and 14, 2026.
The initiatives form part of the military’s ongoing Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, aimed at curbing the circulation of unregistered firearms and strengthening community security in conflict-affected areas.
On April 14, troops from the 55th Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, facilitated the turnover of 17 assorted loose firearms and two hand grenades in Amai Manabilang town. The activity, held at the Municipal Legislative Building, was led by Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jerry V. Doldol in close coordination with the local government unit.
The turnover was witnessed by municipal officials led by Mayor Saidamem Leo Manabilang, alongside representatives from partner agencies, underscoring a strong inter-agency collaboration in advancing peace and order.
Authorities reported that the surrendered firearms included a mix of high-powered and low-powered weapons such as Garand rifles, carbines, shotguns, and submachine guns. Some of the weapons bore defaced serial numbers, raising concerns over their previous use in illicit activities.
All recovered items are now under the custody of the 55th Infantry Battalion and will undergo proper disposition in coordination with the Provincial SALW Valuation Committee, in line with established government protocols.
In a separate development a day earlier, April 13, troops from the 64th Infantry Battalion facilitated the voluntary surrender of a supporter of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) in the municipality of Bayang.
The surrenderer turned over one caliber .45 pistol without a serial number, a magazine, five rounds of ammunition, as well as one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) ammunition and two RPG propellants—items considered highly dangerous and capable of inflicting significant harm.
Brig. Gen. Yasser Bara, commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, lauded the troops for their relentless efforts, emphasizing that sustained military operations and community engagement are key to dismantling remaining extremist networks in the province.
“These efforts are vital in putting an end to the Maute Group and ensuring lasting peace in Lanao del Sur,” Bara said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Billy O. Dela Rosa, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, highlighted the critical role of local government units and community members in addressing security concerns.
“The continued cooperation of LGUs and the public is essential in preventing the misuse of firearms and sustaining peace initiatives,” Dela Rosa said, adding that such collaboration helps build safer communities and strengthens trust between civilians and the military.
Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division, commended both the troops and stakeholders for their commitment to the anti-loose firearms campaign.
“These accomplishments reflect the effectiveness of community-based approaches and strong inter-agency collaboration in maintaining peace and order,” Barroquillo said.
He reiterated the division’s commitment to supporting disarmament and reintegration programs, stressing that long-term stability in conflict-affected areas depends on sustained cooperation among security forces, local governments, and communities.
The 1st Infantry Division continues to encourage the public to actively participate in government-led initiatives aimed at reducing armed violence, as part of broader efforts to achieve a safer and more progressive Lanao del Sur.