Aleosan, North Cotabato—Various high-caliber firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents as part of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program led by the 34th Infantry (Reliable) Battalion on November 26, 2024.
Lt. Col. Edgardo B. Batinay, commander of the 34IB, credited the program’s success to the support of the local government of Aleosan and the municipal police.
Among the surrendered weapons were three 7.62mm M14 rifles, one Cal. 30 rifle, one 5.56mm rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, two M79 grenade launchers, one RPG, one Cal. 50 sniper rifle, one 20-gauge pistol, one Cal. 38 revolver, one Cal. 45 pistol, three 12-gauge shotguns, two grenades, and two 40mm high-explosive rounds.
The firearms were formally presented by Lt. Col. Batinay to Brig. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 602nd Brigade, and Col. Neil Alfonso R. Roldan, Deputy Brigade Commander. Aleosan Mayor Edgardo C. Cabaya and Major Bernard M. Abarquez, chief of the Aleosan Municipal Police Station, witnessed the turnover.
This achievement is the result of the ongoing Information, Education, and Communication Campaign led by the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) and the 6th Infantry Division (6ID). The SALW Management Program aims to create safer communities by reducing violence caused by unlicensed firearms, especially with the upcoming local and national elections.
Major General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Commander of the 6ID, JTFC, and Western Mindanao Command, lauded the positive response of the residents to the program.
“The SALW Management Program is designed to ensure the security and peace of our communities. The continuous surrender of loose firearms reflects the cooperation between local officials and residents, paving the way for a safer Aleosan. With this partnership, we hope to achieve lasting peace and development for all,” said Maj. Gen. Nafarrete.
The SALW Program continues to gain ground as residents and authorities work hand-in-hand to eliminate illegal firearms and promote peace in the region.