SOUTH UPI, Maguindanao del Sur — A total of 79 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents of South Upi during a ceremonial turnover on June 29, marking another significant milestone in the municipality’s ongoing peace and security campaign aimed at reducing armed violence and strengthening community stability.
The turnover ceremony, held at the South Upi Municipal Gymnasium, was facilitated by the 57th Infantry (Masikap) Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Aeron T. Gumabao. The event gathered representatives from the local government, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Government of the Philippines peace mechanisms, and other peace partners, highlighting a unified commitment to sustaining peace and promoting development in the municipality.
The latest surrender brought the total number of voluntarily surrendered loose firearms in South Upi to 170, reflecting growing public confidence in government-led peace initiatives and the willingness of local communities to contribute to a safer and more secure environment.
Military officials attributed the successful turnover to the sustained implementation of the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), carried out in close coordination with the local government, the PNP, and various community stakeholders.
Authorities said the campaign has not only encouraged residents to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms but has also strengthened partnerships between government agencies and local communities in advancing peacebuilding efforts.
The gains from the firearms surrender have already translated into improved public safety. During the Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting, officials reported that South Upi has recorded zero violent incidents and zero shooting incidents, an achievement credited to sustained community engagement, effective law enforcement, and close interagency collaboration.
The ceremonial turnover coincided with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management (SALW-M) Program Livelihood Distribution spearheaded by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO), reinforcing the government’s peace normalization efforts by coupling disarmament with economic assistance.
Representing Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Director PBGen. Christopher M. Abecia, Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Director Police Colonel Michael John C. Mangahis joined national government agencies, local officials, and military leaders in the activity.
South Upi Mayor Helen Benito Padua welcomed the participants and reaffirmed her administration’s full support for programs that promote public safety while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents.
The program featured the formal presentation of voluntarily surrendered firearms, symbolizing the participants’ decision to abandon armed conflict and pursue peaceful and productive lives. This was followed by the distribution of livelihood assistance to qualified SALW-M beneficiaries, providing them with resources to establish sustainable sources of income for their families.
In his message, Mangahis emphasized the Philippine National Police’s continuing commitment to protecting the gains of the peace process.
“The PNP remains steadfast in securing every step of the peace process, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that peace translates into tangible progress experienced by families and communities across Maguindanao del Sur,” he said.
Several national and regional officials attended the event, including Major General Francisco Ariel Felicidario III (Ret.), Chairperson of the Joint Peace and Security Committee; Brigadier General Thor Valiente P. Cuyos, Chief of the Peace Process and Development Center; Brigadier General Michael A. Santos, Commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, representing Major General Jose Bladimir Caraga, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division; Cesar D. De Mesa, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Transformation Program under OPAPRU; Ariel C. Hernandez, Chairperson of the Government of the Philippines Joint Normalization Committee; Joint Peace and Security Committee members PMGen. Eden T. Ugale (Ret.) and Col. Roberto H. Huet (Ret.); and Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Board Member Bai Zahara Upam Ampatuan.
The ceremony concluded with a closing message from Hernandez, who commended the collective efforts of government agencies, local officials, security forces, and community members in advancing peace and development throughout the province.
The 57th Infantry Battalion affirmed that it will continue working closely with local stakeholders to sustain the momentum of the Small Arms and Light Weapons campaign, strengthen peacebuilding initiatives, and create conditions that foster long-term security, stability, and inclusive development across South Upi and neighboring communities.