MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — Thirty-four high-powered firearms were voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 601st Infantry (UNIFIER) Brigade through the collective efforts of several local government units and community stakeholders in Maguindanao del Sur, in a move aimed at strengthening peace and security in the province.
The firearms were presented to Brigadier General Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the 90th Infantry (BIGKIS-LAHI) Battalion. The presentation was led by Lieutenant Colonel Loqui O. Marco, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion.
The voluntary surrender formed part of continuing efforts to address the proliferation of illegal firearms and promote safer communities across the province.
Army commander thanks local leaders and stakeholders
Brig. Gen. Brual expressed his appreciation to the local government leaders and other stakeholders who supported the government’s campaign against illegal firearms.
Among those who attended and conveyed their support were Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Datu Bassir D. Utto; Roger D. Dionisio of the Office of the Governor of Maguindanao del Sur; Datu Hoffer Sangguniang Bayan member Harris M. Ampatuan; Ampatuan Municipal Administrator Dr. Abdulbasit B. Langcap, PhD; and Datu Unsay Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Carlo Bon Perjes.
Their participation highlighted the role of local governments and community partners in supporting security initiatives and encouraging the voluntary surrender of firearms.
Brual emphasized that cooperation among government institutions, security forces and local communities is essential to building safer, more peaceful and orderly communities throughout Maguindanao del Sur and the wider Bangsamoro region.
Collective action key to lasting peace
In his message, Brual underscored the importance of unity, cooperation and responsible community participation in strengthening provincial security and stability.
“Through our unity, cooperation, and the responsible participation of every citizen, we can strengthen the security and stability of our province. Our continued support for the campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms is essential to achieving a peaceful Bangsamoro for the present and future generations,” Brual said.
The surrender of the 34 firearms represents a collaborative effort involving local officials, the military and other stakeholders to help reduce the presence of unauthorized weapons in communities.
The proliferation of illegal firearms remains a security concern in areas where armed violence and the presence of unregistered weapons can undermine public safety and efforts to sustain peace. Voluntary surrender initiatives seek to encourage cooperation with authorities and reinforce local peacebuilding efforts.
However, the military announcement did not specify the individual types, calibers or conditions of the 34 firearms, nor did it identify their previous owners or indicate whether any of the weapons had been linked to criminal incidents.
601st Brigade to sustain coordination with LGUs
The 601st Infantry Brigade said it would continue strengthening its coordination with local government units, barangays and other partner sectors to support initiatives promoting long-term peace, security and stability in the Bangsamoro region.
The latest firearms surrender underscores the importance of sustained cooperation between the security sector and local communities in addressing security concerns and supporting a more peaceful environment for residents.
Military and local government collaboration is expected to remain an important component of efforts to prevent violence, encourage responsible firearms management and promote lasting stability across Maguindanao del Sur.