ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — A series of voluntary firearm surrenders facilitated by the 97th Infantry “Kalasaglahi” Battalion (97IB) has strengthened the government’s campaign against loose firearms and underscored growing community support for peace and security initiatives in the province.
Military officials said the surrender activities, conducted in the municipalities of Labason, Sibuco, and Siayan from April 22 to May 7, 2026, resulted in the turnover of high-powered firearms, ammunition, and explosives previously linked to former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members and dismantled Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).
The latest surrender was facilitated on May 7, 2026, through the efforts of Bravo Company of the 97IB led by 1st Lieutenant Henry Labasan, in coordination with Labason Mayor Jelster Ed T. Quimbo and Police Lt. Col. Edwin D. Verzon, Force Commander of the Zamboanga del Norte 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Former MNLF members voluntarily turned over one US Carbine M3 rifle with a magazine and 12 rounds of ammunition, one improvised shotgun with three rounds of ammunition, and one hand grenade.
The surrendered war materiel was later formally presented at the Provincial Capitol Building in Dipolog City before Vice Governor Julius C. Napigquit, representing Governor Darel Dexter T. Uy.
The ceremonial turnover was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Jessie G. Bergonia, commanding officer of the 97IB; Police Colonel Reydante Ariza, provincial director of the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office; Police Lt. Col. Edwin Verzon; Mayor Quimbo; and Acting Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Hannah Lou Mandantes.
Authorities said the successful surrender stemmed from sustained implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, a key government initiative aimed at reducing the proliferation of loose firearms and preventing armed violence in conflict-affected communities.
Lt. Col. Bergonia emphasized that the activity reflected the strong collaboration between security forces, local government units, and communities in maintaining peace and order across the province.
“This demonstrates the shared commitment of our security forces and local leaders in fostering safer and more peaceful communities throughout Zamboanga del Norte,” Bergonia said.
Prior to the Labason surrender, the 97IB also facilitated separate firearm turnovers in the municipalities of Sibuco and Siayan on April 22 and 23.
In Barangay Lunday, Sibuco, 2nd Lieutenant Rasid K. Kansa successfully facilitated the surrender of one M79 grenade launcher along with 10 rounds of 40mm ammunition.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Datagan, Siayan, Captain Rufino M. Deculin led another successful operation where former mass supporters of dismantled CTGs voluntarily surrendered one M16 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, one .30 caliber carbine, and assorted ammunition.
Military authorities confirmed that the firearms in Siayan were previously possessed by members of the dismantled Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU), once linked to communist insurgency activities in the area.
Bergonia said the increasing number of voluntary surrenders indicates growing trust and cooperation between local communities and the Philippine Army.
He stressed that the continued support of civilians and former armed group members plays a crucial role in sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of armed conflict in vulnerable areas.
The 97IB continues to intensify its community engagement efforts and encourages civilians to voluntarily surrender undocumented, unregistered, or illegally possessed firearms as part of broader peacebuilding and public safety initiatives in Zamboanga del Norte.