LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat — Government security forces and local officials in Sultan Kudarat strengthened their campaign against illegal and loose firearms following the formal turnover of several high-powered weapons and ammunition during a ceremony held at the Municipal Hall of Lambayong on May 20.
The activity, dubbed as the “Turn-Over of Loose Firearms” Ceremony, was spearheaded by the Lambayong Local Government Unit in partnership with the military, police, and other government agencies as part of ongoing efforts to sustain peace, public order, and community safety in the municipality.
The ceremony was attended by top military and police officials, including Omar V. Orozco, commander of the 1st Mechanized “MAAASAHAN” Brigade; Raul P. Escat, commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “MAKASAG” Battalion; and Bernard L. Lao, provincial director of the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office.
Local officials led by Francis Eric Recinto, Vice Mayor Norhato Sanday, Barangay Pimbalayan Chairman Mastura G. Baumul, and Barangay Baumul Chairman Sedik G. Baumul also joined the event together with religious leaders and community stakeholders.
During the ceremony, assorted high-powered firearms and ammunition were formally turned over to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade through the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion. Among the surrendered weapons were two M1 Garand rifles caliber .30, one caliber .30 rifle with magazine, a fabricated Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher with one High-Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) projectile, a fabricated Barrett rifle caliber .50, one Ultimax 100 Light Machine Gun, three M14 rifles, and one M16A1 rifle.
Authorities said the turnover highlights the growing trust and cooperation between communities and government security forces in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms, which remains a major concern in conflict-prone areas of Mindanao.
In their respective messages, military, police, and local government officials emphasized the importance of unity and shared responsibility in maintaining peace and order. They also urged residents to continue supporting initiatives aimed at preventing violence, criminality, and the spread of unlicensed firearms.
Escat said the success of the activity reflected the strong collaboration among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, local government units, and residents of the municipality.
He stressed that the voluntary surrender of firearms is a crucial step toward building safer and more progressive communities.
“The successful conduct of this activity was made possible through mutual trust and cooperation among the military, police, local government units, and the people,” Escat said, adding that continued community participation is vital in sustaining long-term peace and security efforts in Sultan Kudarat.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have intensified campaigns encouraging civilians and former armed individuals to voluntarily surrender loose firearms in support of the government’s peace and security programs across Mindanao.