PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Thirty-six assorted loose firearms, along with dozens of grenades and rounds of ammunition, were voluntarily surrendered by members of local communities in Pagadian City as the Philippine Army intensified its efforts to strengthen public security through its Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program.
The surrender took place during a ceremony on September 5, 2026, at the Asenso Convention Center in Rotonda, Pagadian City, facilitated by the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army.
According to the Army, the surrendered weapons and explosives consisted of 36 assorted loose firearms, six hand grenades, 13 rifle grenades, 21 rounds of 40mm high-explosive ammunition, and one smoke grenade.
Among the firearms turned over were a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), Garand rifles, a Caliber .30 Mauser rifle, shotguns, Caliber .45 pistols, Caliber .38 pistols, and a Caliber .380 pistol.
The volume and variety of weapons surrendered underscored the continuing presence of unregistered or unauthorized firearms and explosive ordnance that authorities seek to remove from communities as part of broader peace and public security efforts.
The ceremony was attended by Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co; Cristine Baroro, head of the Area Management Unit of the Western Mindanao Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU); Col. Ian Noel P. Ignes MNSA (Inf) PA, Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs of the 1st Infantry Division; Col. Edgar Allan S. Villanueva GSC (Inf) PA, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade; Lt. Col. Rolando E. Vargas Jr. (Inf) GSC PA, commander of the 53rd Infantry Battalion; and PLt. Col. Christopher M. Mendoza, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office.
Other government representatives, security personnel, stakeholders and partner agencies also witnessed the activity.
Partnership goes beyond weapons surrender
The activity also highlighted the expanding partnership between the 53rd Infantry Battalion and the Local Government Unit of Pagadian City, marked by the ceremonial turnover of a rubber boat and the formal donation of a parcel of land through a Deed of Donation.
The Army said the initiatives are intended to strengthen operational capabilities and support programs related to peace, security, community resilience, sustainable development and public service.
The developments reflect an approach that goes beyond the recovery of firearms and explosives, with government agencies and local stakeholders working together to strengthen their capacity to respond to security and community needs.
The successful surrender of the weapons and explosives was attributed to sustained coordination among the 53rd Infantry Battalion, the City Government of Pagadian, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, OPAPRU and other concerned stakeholders.
Community cooperation key to SALW management
The Army said sustained community engagement remains central to the SALW Management Program, particularly in encouraging individuals and communities to voluntarily turn over loose firearms and other weapons rather than allowing them to remain in circulation.
The program seeks to reduce the availability of firearms and explosive materials that could potentially contribute to violence or threaten public safety, while also strengthening cooperation and confidence between government institutions, security forces and communities.
For authorities, the voluntary nature of the surrender also highlights the importance of community participation in peace and security initiatives. Rather than relying solely on enforcement operations, the SALW program provides a mechanism through which communities can cooperate with authorities in removing weapons from circulation.
The 53rd Infantry Battalion said it will continue to pursue community-based initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening peace and public security in Pagadian City and throughout Zamboanga del Sur.
The surrender of the 36 firearms and various explosives, coupled with the strengthened partnership between the military and local government, demonstrates the role of coordinated community action in addressing security concerns.
The Army said such efforts are ultimately aimed at building safer communities, protecting lives and creating conditions conducive to lasting peace and development across the province.