MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Government forces and local leaders strengthened their joint campaign against illegal weapons on Tuesday, April 21, as the Philippine Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry (KALASAG) Battalion facilitated the turnover of surrendered firearms in Barangay Kapantaran.
The activity, conducted under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, marked a significant step in ongoing efforts to curb armed violence and reinforce community security across Marawi City and neighboring municipalities.
The ceremony was led by Lieutenant Colonel Eugene C. Flores, commander of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion under the Philippine Army. It was attended by key local officials, including Ali L. Sumandar, mayor of Piagapo, alongside members of the municipal council and village chiefs from areas within the battalion’s jurisdiction.
Also present was Amerodin L. Angin, representing Saguiran Mayor Jalalodin M. Angin, as well as barangay leaders from Marawi City led by Alfarouky I. Langco. Their participation underscored what officials described as a growing alliance between security forces and local governments in advancing peace initiatives.
During the turnover, authorities formally received a cache of surrendered weapons, including three M16 5.56mm rifles, two M1 Carbine .30 caliber rifles, one M2 Carbine, a .45 caliber pistol, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) with two rounds of ammunition, and a rifle grenade. All firearms, except the RPG, were turned over without ammunition.
Military officials said the recovered weapons represent concrete gains from sustained community engagement efforts aimed at encouraging residents to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms.
The initiative was spearheaded by the battalion’s Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Section, which worked closely with maneuver units to conduct information drives, community dialogues, and localized security engagements. The coordinated approach, according to the military, helped build trust among residents and facilitated cooperation in disarmament efforts.
In his address, Flores emphasized that the success of the program reflects both military discipline and community participation.
“Today marks a significant step in our continuing campaign to enforce security, maintain public order, and protect our communities,” he said. “The turnover of loose firearms is a clear manifestation of our unified stand against lawlessness and armed violence.”
Officials reiterated that the presence of loose firearms in civilian hands remains a major threat to peace and stability, often fueling criminal activities and weakening the rule of law.
The Army said the initiative forms part of a broader peace and security campaign across Lanao del Sur, particularly in areas still recovering from past conflicts. By integrating civil-military operations with ground security efforts and strong local government support, the battalion aims to create what it described as “conflict-resilient communities.”
The 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these efforts, emphasizing that continued collaboration with stakeholders is key to achieving long-term peace and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).