CAMP SANG-AN, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur — A total of 46 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte this month as local government units, military forces, and law enforcement agencies intensified their campaign against illegal firearms and criminality in Western Mindanao.
Military officials said the series of surrender ceremonies, confiscation operations, and law enforcement activities underscore the growing cooperation between local communities and security forces in sustaining peace and order across the Lanao provinces.
On May 5, 2026, local government units from the municipalities of Marogong, Lumbaca-Unayan, Pagayawan, Lumbatan, and Binidayan in Lanao del Sur facilitated the voluntary surrender of 22 loose firearms to the 64th Infantry Battalion under the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program.
The firearms were formally turned over to Brig. Gen. Yasser R. Bara during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the 64IB.
Authorities said the surrendered cache included several high-powered firearms such as M16, M4, M14, Garand, and Carbine rifles, along with improvised sniper rifles including a caliber .50 variant, a TEC-KG9 submachine gun, and several pistols.
The successful surrender was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the participating LGUs and the 64th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Jerry B. Gaviola, with support from company commanders and Municipal Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP) teams.
In a separate development, the municipal government of Masiu in Lanao del Sur formally turned over another 24 loose firearms to government authorities during a ceremony on May 12, 2026, at the municipal gymnasium.
The turnover was led by Mayor Romil M. Guiling and received by Brig. Gen. Billy O. Dela Rosa.
Recovered firearms included high-powered rifles, five pistols, two improvised sniper rifles, six shotguns, and seven revolvers.
The operation was facilitated through the coordinated efforts of the 5th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Mark Francis N. Garcia, alongside local government officials and barangay leaders.
The combined surrender of 46 loose firearms in Lanao del Sur highlighted what military officials described as the increasing public support for the government’s disarmament and peacebuilding initiatives in conflict-affected communities.
Meanwhile, in Lanao del Norte, authorities conducted a law enforcement operation against illegal firearms in the municipality of Sultan Naga Dimaporo on May 9, 2026.
Troops from the 51st Mechanized Company of the 5th Mechanized Battalion, together with police and intelligence units, implemented a search warrant operation that led to the arrest of a suspect for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Security forces confiscated five assorted firearms along with ammunition, magazines, firearm parts, and other gun paraphernalia during the operation.
Outside the Lanao area, the 97th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Jessie Bergonia also facilitated the voluntary surrender of firearms and explosives by former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte on May 7, 2026.
The surrendered items included a US Carbine M3 rifle, an improvised shotgun, and a hand grenade. The activity was conducted in coordination with local government officials and the ZDN 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr. commended the operating units, police forces, and local government officials for their continued support in the campaign against illegal firearms and criminality in Western Mindanao.
He emphasized that the surrender, turnover, and confiscation of loose firearms remain essential in preventing violence, reducing armed threats, and strengthening long-term peace and security efforts in the region.
Military officials noted that the recent accomplishments demonstrate the continuing partnership among local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms and maintaining stability across the Lanao provinces and neighboring areas in Western Mindanao.