MAKILALA, COTABATO — Three loose firearms were peacefully surrendered in Tampakan, South Cotabato, following sustained community engagement, intelligence gathering, and coordination by the Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry “Smash ’em” Battalion (39IB), highlighting continued government efforts to address the proliferation of unregistered or illegally held firearms in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
The surrender formed part of the battalion’s continuing Law Enforcement Support Operations (LESO), which involve close coordination with local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government agencies in support of peace and security initiatives.
According to the 39IB, the development was facilitated through sustained engagement between Army personnel and members of the community, demonstrating the role of dialogue, coordination, and persistent government presence in encouraging the peaceful turnover of loose firearms.
The effort was led by the Charlie Company and Intelligence Section of the 39IB, under the supervision of 1st Lt. Lester S. Depot (Inf) PA, Charlie Company commander, with the active participation of the company’s intelligence team.
Rather than relying solely on enforcement measures, the Army said its continuing engagement with communities and coordination with concerned authorities helped facilitate the peaceful surrender and proper handling of the firearms.
Firearms turned over in Tampakan
The surrendered firearms, along with the individuals who turned them over, were formally presented during a simple ceremony held at the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Tampakan.
The presentation was led by 2nd Lt. Mark Japheth Cabayao (AGS) PA, platoon leader of Charlie Company, 39IB.
Tampakan Mayor Leonard T. Escobillo received the group during the ceremony, which was also attended by Police Colonel Isralene Z. Lauren, provincial director of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO), and Police Major JS T. Pedrosa, chief of police of Tampakan.
The participation of local officials and police authorities underscored the inter-agency nature of the initiative, particularly in ensuring that surrendered firearms are properly documented, secured, and processed in accordance with applicable procedures.
Community cooperation seen as key
The 39IB emphasized that the peaceful surrender was not the result of a single operation but part of continuing efforts to build cooperation between security forces, local authorities, and communities.
Loose firearms remain a concern for law enforcement agencies because firearms outside the legal regulatory system can potentially contribute to armed violence, criminal activity, and other threats to public safety.
For the military and police, encouraging the voluntary surrender of such firearms provides an opportunity to reduce the number of weapons circulating outside government control while strengthening community-based approaches to maintaining peace and order.
The 39IB credited the Local Government Unit of Tampakan, the PNP, and other concerned government agencies for their cooperation in facilitating the surrender and ensuring the proper disposition of the firearms.
The battalion said the development reflects a shared commitment among government institutions to promote peace, public safety, and community stability through coordinated security efforts and constructive engagement with residents.
The surrender also underscores the importance of maintaining communication with communities, particularly in areas where government security and peace-building efforts require sustained coordination rather than isolated enforcement activities.
As the 39IB continues its law enforcement support and intelligence-driven initiatives, the battalion said cooperation among the military, police, local governments, and communities remains essential in preventing the proliferation of loose firearms and strengthening security in local communities.