MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Thirteen assorted firearms were voluntarily surrendered by inactive members of Peace-Inclined Armed Groups (PIAGs) in Lanao del Sur during the third quarter of 2026, in an initiative facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry (KALASAG) Battalion under its Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program.
The surrender was facilitated under the leadership of Lt. Col. Eugene C. Flores, ARM (GSC), PA, in coordination with the battalion’s line companies and TRIAD staff.
The Philippine Army said the activity was carried out through community partnerships and continuing peace-building initiatives aimed at reducing the circulation of loose firearms and strengthening local peace and security.
The firearms voluntarily turned over included four pistols, six rifles, and three other high-powered firearms, bringing the total to 13 weapons.
The surrendered firearms were listed as follows:
- Two Cal. .45 ACP pistols
- One 9mm pistol
- One Cal. .45 ACP pistol
- Two M1 Garand rifles, Cal. .30-06
- One M14 rifle, Cal. 7.62mm
- Two M16 rifles, Cal. 5.56mm
- One M16A1 rifle, Cal. 5.56mm
- One M653 carbine, Cal. 5.56mm
- One .50-caliber sniper rifle
- One 40mm RPG launcher
The Army described the voluntary surrender as part of continuing efforts to prevent loose firearms from being used in violence and other activities that could threaten community security and disrupt the democratic process.
Rather than relying solely on enforcement operations, the initiative highlights the role of engagement with communities and former or inactive armed-group members in reducing the availability of weapons outside government control.
The surrender also represents another step in the Army’s broader peace-building efforts in Lanao del Sur, where maintaining security requires sustained coordination among security forces, local communities and groups committed to peaceful engagement.
The activity concluded with a boodle fight lunch, bringing together participants in a gathering centered on their shared commitment to peace and community security.
The battalion emphasized that its SALW efforts will continue as part of its mandate to help secure communities and support the preservation of peace in Lanao del Sur.
The initiative reflects the principle that the surrender of firearms is not only about removing weapons from circulation, but also about creating opportunities for communities and individuals previously associated with armed groups to contribute to a more peaceful environment.
As the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion put it in its message accompanying the activity, the goal is to choose peace over violence and work collectively toward safer communities in Lanao del Sur.