PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — In a major show of public cooperation and government-led peacebuilding efforts, at least 95 assorted loose firearms, 64 explosives, and 132 live ammunition were voluntarily surrendered by residents from different municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur during the province’s celebration of its fifth anniversary as an insurgency-free province on May 19, 2026.
The ceremonial turnover was facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion under the operational control of the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, during a gathering held at the Pavilion Hall of the Provincial Government Complex in Barangay Dao, Pagadian City.
Military officials described the surrender as one of the most significant demonstrations of civilian trust and community support for the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, which aims to reduce the proliferation of unlicensed firearms and prevent armed violence in vulnerable communities.
Authorities said the surrendered weapons included high-powered firearms such as M14 rifles, M16 rifles, an M653 rifle, M1 Garand rifles, carbines, M79 grenade launchers, shotguns, KG9 submachine guns, and various caliber pistols and revolvers.
Also turned over were dangerous explosives and ammunition, including 40mm high-explosive cartridges, rocket-propelled grenades, hand grenades, rifle grenades, and assorted live ammunition of different calibers.
Army officials said the voluntary surrender of weapons reflects the continuing transformation of former conflict-affected communities into partners of peace and development.
“The surrender of these loose firearms and explosives is a powerful manifestation of the people’s growing confidence in the peace and security initiatives of the government,” military officials said during the event.
The activity formed part of the province’s continuing efforts to preserve its insurgency-free status, five years after authorities declared Zamboanga del Sur cleared of active insurgent influence.
The event gathered top national and regional officials, military commanders, police leaders, and peace advocates led by Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity; Divina Grace C. Yu; Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of Joint Task Force “ZAMPELAN” and the 1st Infantry Division; Bayani Curaming, deputy commander of the Western Mindanao Command-Internal Defense Office; Samuel G. Yunque, commander of Joint Task Group “IGSOON” and the 102nd Infantry Brigade; Rolando E. Vargas Jr., commander of the 53rd Infantry Battalion; and Bonifacio Arañas.
Beyond the weapons turnover, the event also highlighted rehabilitation and development programs aimed at preventing the resurgence of armed conflict.
Thirty-one scholarship beneficiaries under the second batch of the SALW Management Program received educational assistance during the ceremony, symbolizing the government’s push to steer communities away from violence through education and opportunity.
Checks were likewise distributed to beneficiaries of the PAMANA Livelihood Program Association under the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa initiative, a program designed to strengthen grassroots economic development and sustain peace efforts in former conflict areas.
Officials said the combined initiatives demonstrate that long-term peace cannot rely on military operations alone, but must also be anchored on livelihood, education, and inclusive development.
The successful implementation of the SALW Management Program, authorities added, underscores the province’s determination to protect the gains of peace and ensure a safer and more stable future for communities across Zamboanga del Sur.