In their bid to help the campaign against loose firearms and establish peaceful communities in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, local officials and residents in 25 of 34 villages voluntarily surrendered 44 unlicensed guns to the military on Monday.
The assorted loose firearms were presented to authorities during a turnover program in Barangay Bitu as part of efforts to curb violence and the proliferation of unregistered weapons ahead of the Sept. 14 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
Village officials collected the weapons from their constituents, including those in the hands of barangay leaders.
The turnover was held at the evacuation center in Barangay Bitu, which is the same village where the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua was ambushed on Aug. 15.
Military authorities said the incident served as a serious reminder of the continuing threat of violence and the need for stronger collective action against loose firearms, particularly with the elections fast approaching.
The initiative brought together government agencies, security forces, local leaders, and residents to help prevent further violence and maintain peace and order in Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Lt. Col. William G. Sabado, commanding officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, led the program. Also present were Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Abdulmain Abas Sr.; Lt. Col. Sahibun Mamantal, Maguindanao Norte police deputy provincial director; Lt. Col. Brian A. Balite, Datu Odin Sinsuat municipal police chief; and officials from 25 barangays in Datu Odin Sinsuat.
The surrendered weapons included four 7.62mm sniper rifles, 11 fabricated 12-gauge shotguns, 12 fabricated .38-caliber revolvers, three fabricated 9mm submachine guns, three .45-caliber pistols, three grenade launchers, and other firearms.
Sabado said the surrender of the weapons is an important step toward reducing potential security threats and preventing their possible use in violence.
‘The voluntary surrender of firearms was more than just a turnover. It demonstrated the communities’ trust and cooperation in the pursuit of peace,’ Sabado said.
‘Every firearm voluntarily surrendered represented a potential threat removed and a step toward safer communities,’ he added.
Sabado noted the turnover of 44 loose firearms reflected Datu Odin Sinsuat’s collective resolve against violence and underscored how unity and concerted action can help strengthen and protect peace in the community.
Maj. Gen. Ronel R. Manalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s Armor Division, expressed the division’s full support for initiatives to reduce threats to peace and strengthen community security.
He called for continued cooperation among local governments, security forces, and residents to preserve peace and ensure a safe, orderly, peaceful election.