Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi — April 22, 2025 — The persistent presence of unregistered and illegally owned firearms in Tawi-Tawi remains a pressing concern for both authorities and local communities, as another loose firearm was voluntarily surrendered to the police earlier today.
At approximately 5:20 PM, a caliber .38 revolver, loaded with three live ammunition and bearing a defaced serial number, was turned over by Hon. Hja. Rowena K. Ahaja, Barangay Chairwoman of Poblacion, Sitangkai, to Police Lieutenant Colonel Roy R. Zantua, Officer-in-Charge of Sitangkai Municipal Police Station. The formal handover took place at the Sitangkai MPS in Barangay Datu Putih.
This act of cooperation highlights ongoing grassroots efforts to support government campaigns against the proliferation of loose firearms in the region. Authorities have long flagged the circulation of illegally owned firearms as a major factor fueling criminal activities, violent disputes, and clan feuds locally known as rido — conflicts that have long hindered peace and development in Tawi-Tawi and other parts of Mindanao.
The defaced serial number of the surrendered revolver suggests that the weapon has been in illegal circulation for some time, potentially linked to various crimes or personal vendettas that remain unresolved. Police believe that recovering such weapons is critical in weakening the cycle of violence that stems from the easy access to unregistered firearms.
“Every firearm that is voluntarily surrendered is a step closer to a safer community,” said PLTCOL Zantua. “We commend the leadership of Brgy. Chairwoman Ahaja for her active role in maintaining peace and order.”
Authorities urge other community leaders and residents to follow suit by surrendering any unlicensed firearms in their possession or reporting those known to be circulating within their neighborhoods. The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to emphasize the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the public in curbing the use of loose firearms, which have been a staple tool in criminal acts and long-standing family feuds across the region.
The surrender of the firearm today is part of the government’s broader peace and security campaign, which aims to dismantle armed threats and foster stability, especially in communities vulnerable to violence.
As the campaign pushes forward, local officials and law enforcement alike remain hopeful that collective efforts will eventually lead to long-lasting peace in Sitangkai and its neighboring areas.