Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur – In a significant move to promote safer communities, residents from Poona Bayabao, Mulondo, Taraka, Tamparan, and Lumba Bayabao voluntarily turned over 23 loose firearms to the Philippine Army on February 14, 2026. The activity was conducted under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, aimed at reducing the circulation of unregistered firearms and encouraging responsible weapons ownership.
The initiative was carried out by Alpha Company of the 5th Infantry (DUTY BOUND) Battalion, led by CPT Cedric M. Genovaña (INF) PA, under the supervision of Battalion Commander LTC Mark Francis N. Garcia INF (GSC) PA, and operational oversight of the 103rd Infantry (HARIBON) Brigade, headed by BGEN Billy O. Dela Rosa PA. Local government leaders and community stakeholders actively participated, reflecting a united commitment to peace, order, and security in Lanao del Sur.
The surrendered firearms included a wide range of weapons:
- 1 M4A1 Rifle
- 3 Pump-Action Shotguns
- 2 KG-9 Firearms
- 1 Pistol-Caliber Carbine
- 2 Bolt-Action Shotguns
- 1 12-Gauge Shotgun
- 4 M79 Grenade Launchers
- 1 Semi-Automatic Shotgun (SAS-12)
- 3 M82 Cal .50 Anti-Materiel Rifles
- 1 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)
- 1 BAR Automatic Rifle
- 1 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG)
- 1 R4A3 Rifle
- 1 M1 Carbine
- 1 Ingram Submachine Gun
“This voluntary turnover is a clear vote of confidence in the Philippine Army and our local government partners,” LTC Garcia said. “By encouraging residents to surrender loose firearms, we are taking concrete steps toward making Lanao del Sur a gun-safe zone.”
CPT Genovaña highlighted the human aspect of the program. “Our soldiers regularly engage with residents, explaining the benefits of surrendering loose firearms and assuring them of the safe and transparent handling of weapons. Building trust is just as important as collecting the firearms,” he said.
The SALW Management Program strengthens peace and order, reduces the risk of armed violence and criminal activity, and supports long-term stability and development in the region. The Philippine Army urges those who still possess unregistered or loose firearms to coordinate with the nearest Army unit or local government office to safely participate in the program.