CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – February 21, 2025 – The local government of Datu Abdullah Sangki (DAS), Maguindanao del Sur, formally turned over 20 M14 rifles to the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade in a ceremony held at the DAS municipal hall.
The firearms were voluntarily surrendered by Honorable Zuharto Al Wali S. Mangudadatu, Mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki, to Col. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army. The event was attended by military officials, law enforcement officers, local government representatives, and community leaders.
Among those present were Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, Commanding Officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col. Udgie C. Villan, Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion; PLt. Col. Glenn Mar Avisa, Chief of Police of DAS; Maj. Saber G. Balogan, CMO Officer; Maj. Mark Anthony P. Dimacali, Representative of OG7, 6ID; and Cpt. Jafaar D. Abdul, CO of the 1CMO Company, 6th CMO Battalion.
This turnover is part of the Small Arms and Light Weapon (SALW) Management Program, which aims to disarm and dismantle armed groups, reduce the proliferation of loose firearms, and promote peace and security in the region.
Col. Catu commended the initiative of the local government and the active participation of DAS residents. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring a safer environment. “Let us encourage other individuals, communities, and municipalities to follow our example and surrender their loose firearms for a safer and peaceful living of our people whom we have sworn to serve and protect,” he stated.
Brig. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6ID, also lauded the efforts of the 601st Brigade and the DAS local government. “This ceremony is a manifestation of the municipality’s full commitment to the SALW Management Program to eradicate the proliferation of loose firearms. True peace does not come from guns but from unity. By giving up arms, we show our utmost desire for a peaceful, safer, and prosperous community. Together, let’s put an end to violence and embrace peace and development,” he said.
The local government unit of DAS, under Mayor Mangudadatu, reaffirmed its dedication to working with the Philippine Army and other stakeholders in promoting long-term peace and security in the municipality.