CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – In a significant move to strengthen peace and security efforts in the Bangsamoro region, the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division (6ID) on Friday destroyed more than 600 loose firearms voluntarily surrendered under the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program.
The ceremonial destruction was held at Camp Siongco in Awang, Maguindanao del Norte, marking another milestone in the military’s intensified campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms across Central and Western Mindanao.
According to the 6ID, the firearms consisted of various long and short loose weapons collected from 2024 up to the present through sustained disarmament initiatives conducted in partnership with local government units (LGUs), community leaders, non-government organizations, and law enforcement agencies operating within the division’s area of responsibility.
Military officials said the destruction of the firearms ensures that the surrendered weapons can no longer be used in criminal activities, armed violence, election-related incidents, and other threats to public safety.
“The destruction of these loose firearms is a concrete manifestation of our commitment to lasting peace and security in the Bangsamoro region,” the 6ID stated.
Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, credited the success of the initiative to the strong collaboration among local governments, communities, and security forces.
Cagara specifically lauded the Local Government Units of Upi and Mother Kabuntalan for their active participation in the implementation of the ASPIRE Project, which encouraged residents to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms as part of broader peace-building efforts.
He emphasized that local government units play a crucial role in the campaign because of their direct engagement and influence within their communities, while the military provides operational support to maintain peace and order.
“The successful destruction of these firearms reflects the collective effort of the LGUs, the military, and the people themselves who chose to surrender their weapons for the greater good of their communities,” Cagara said.
The military chief also highlighted the significance of the activity amid preparations for the upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), stressing that reducing the number of loose firearms remains a critical component in ensuring peaceful, orderly, and credible polls.
He assured the public that the entire destruction process was properly documented to guarantee transparency and accountability, adding that all firearms subjected to destruction have been rendered permanently unusable.
The 6ID further reiterated that its offices and unit commanders remain open to individuals and groups willing to return to the fold of the law through peaceful means, as part of the government’s continuing reconciliation and peace initiatives.
Military officials underscored that the destruction of loose firearms forms part of a broader national strategy to curb the spread of illegal weapons, prevent violence, and sustain stability in conflict-affected communities across Mindanao.
The ceremony, attended by senior military officers and various stakeholders, served as a symbol of the government’s determination to eliminate illegal firearms and strengthen public trust in ongoing peace and security programs.
The 6ID noted that the success of the campaign would not have been possible without the cooperation of citizens who voluntarily surrendered their firearms in support of safer and more peaceful communities.
As authorities continue to intensify efforts against the proliferation of illegal weapons, the destruction of more than 600 firearms stands as a powerful reminder of the collective commitment of government agencies, security forces, local leaders, and ordinary citizens toward achieving lasting peace, stability, and development in the Bangsamoro region and the rest of Mindanao.