GENERAL SALIPADA K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao del Sur — Fourteen assorted firearms and 23 rounds of ammunition were formally turned over to the Philippine Army during a ceremony held at the Municipal Hall of General Salipada K. Pendatun on September 2, 2026, as local authorities and security forces intensified efforts to reduce the proliferation of illegal and loose firearms in the municipality.
The turnover was facilitated by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (MAKASAG) Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army, through its 23rd Mechanized (Explorer) Company, in partnership with the Municipal Government of General Salipada K. Pendatun and other government and security-sector stakeholders.
The activity was led by Municipal Mayor Meilyn Dimalna Ali and former Municipal Mayor Rafsanjani Pendatun Ali, and attended by barangay chairpersons, local government officials, religious leaders and community representatives. Also present were Lt. Col. Raul P. Escat (ARM) GSC PA, commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion; 1st Lt. Roy Manuel A. Pelijo (ARM) PA, commanding officer of the 23rd Mechanized Company; and Police Lieutenant Samer J. Kasan, acting chief of police of General Salipada K. Pendatun.
Firearms, ammunition surrendered
The items turned over included a mix of serviceable and fabricated firearms, as well as ammunition. These were identified as:
- One M1 Garand rifle, caliber .30, serial number 319875;
- One M14 rifle, caliber 7.62mm, serial number 1859816, identified as fabricated;
- One Ingram Mac Design, 9x19mm, identified as fabricated;
- Six Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, identified as fabricated;
- Four UZI submachine guns;
- One KZ9, caliber .45;
- One MAT-49, 9x19mm, identified as fabricated;
- One Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum;
- One Star Z .45 design, identified as fabricated;
- Two 12-gauge shotguns, identified as fabricated;
- 20 rounds of serviceable 9mm ammunition; and
- Three rounds of serviceable 12-gauge ammunition.
The turnover forms part of continuing government efforts to encourage the voluntary surrender of firearms that are not legally registered or are otherwise being kept outside lawful authority.
Leaders call for collective action
During the ceremony, local leaders stressed that addressing the proliferation of loose firearms requires sustained cooperation among government institutions, security forces and communities.
Mayor Meilyn Dimalna Ali and former Mayor Rafsanjani Pendatun Ali emphasized the importance of unity and shared responsibility in maintaining peace and public order. They also encouraged residents to continue supporting government initiatives designed to prevent violence and criminality.
For security officials, the voluntary surrender of firearms represents an important component of broader peace and security efforts, particularly in communities where the presence of unregulated weapons can contribute to violence and instability.
The successful turnover was also viewed by officials as a reflection of increasing cooperation between residents and government authorities in addressing security concerns.
Army renews call to support Balik-Baril Program
Lt. Col. Escat, meanwhile, relayed the message of Brig. Gen. Omar V. Orozco PA, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Armor Division, emphasizing the Philippine Army’s continued commitment to working with local governments, law enforcement agencies and communities to address the proliferation of loose firearms.
Escat highlighted the importance of voluntary surrender and community participation in government efforts to maintain peace and security.
He also called on residents to support the Balik-Baril Program, urging individuals who possess loose firearms to voluntarily turn them over to authorities rather than allow the weapons to remain in communities where they could potentially be used in violent incidents or criminal activities.
“Peace is everyone’s responsibility,” Escat emphasized, underscoring the need for cooperation between civilians and security forces.
Security preparations ahead of BARMM elections
The Army also linked the campaign against loose firearms to preparations for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections, when heightened attention is expected on maintaining peace and preventing election-related violence.
The surrender of firearms is therefore seen not only as a law-enforcement concern but also as part of broader efforts to create a safer environment for communities and political activities.
The General Salipada K. Pendatun turnover demonstrates the continuing coordination among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, local government units and community stakeholders in Maguindanao del Sur.
Authorities are expected to continue encouraging residents to surrender loose firearms and cooperate with security agencies as part of long-term efforts to reduce armed violence, strengthen public safety and sustain peace and stability across the province.