BAYANG AND LUMBACA-UNAYAN, Lanao del Sur — Three loose firearms, including two .45-caliber pistols, were voluntarily surrendered in separate turnover activities facilitated by the 64th Infantry (Knights) Battalion on November 9 and 10, 2026, as part of continuing efforts to reduce unauthorized firearm possession and strengthen peace and security in local communities.
The first turnover took place on November 9 in Barangay Sultan Pandapatan, Bayang, where Municipal Councilor Dicky B. Sarip and Barangay Chairperson Bryan B. Sarip voluntarily handed over one .45-caliber pistol, one magazine, and two rounds of ammunition to Captain Ralph Andrew R. Villa, commander of the battalion’s Charlie Company.
The following day, November 10, another voluntary surrender was recorded in Barangay Dilausan, Lumbaca-Unayan, where a community member identified as Oting Guro turned over one .45-caliber M1911 pistol to First Lieutenant Fernan R. Balala, commander of Bravo Company.
Both activities were facilitated by the 64IB under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Jerry B. Gaviola, in coordination with local officials and community stakeholders within the battalion’s area of operations.
The separate turnovers underscore the role of community cooperation in addressing the presence of unregistered or unauthorized firearms, particularly in areas where sustained coordination between security forces, local government units, and community leaders remains essential to maintaining stability.
The activities were conducted under the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program, which seeks to curb the proliferation of loose firearms by encouraging their voluntary surrender and reducing potential security risks associated with their unauthorized possession and use.
Beyond the recovery of firearms, the initiative highlights the importance of building trust between the military and local communities. The participation of elected officials and community members also demonstrates how local leadership can contribute to government efforts to address security concerns without relying solely on enforcement operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Gaviola expressed appreciation to the local officials and community members who cooperated in the surrender activities. He emphasized that the active participation of local leaders and other stakeholders in working with the military plays an important role in sustaining peace and security in their respective communities.
SPONSORED LINK: https://lightlypowerfulgourmet.com/u9i107dsea?key=63025114fa6eb96108de24ad21ec0671
The 64IB said it would continue working with local government units and other stakeholders to strengthen community engagement, prevent the proliferation of loose firearms, and support initiatives aimed at maintaining peace and order across its area of responsibility.
While the surrender of the firearms represents a concrete contribution to reducing the number of loose weapons in the communities concerned, sustained cooperation, responsible firearm regulation, and continued community involvement remain important in preventing unauthorized weapons from becoming sources of violence and insecurity.