RESIDENTS from the different barangays of Upi, Maguindanao del Norte; South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur; and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, handed over their unlicensed firearms to the military on June 26, 2023.
Maguindanao del Sur Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu facilitated the turnover of 22 loose firearms to Col. Ali Luis Macawaris, the Deputy Commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade at the Multi-Purpose Hall of South Upi. Handed over were two cal.30 M1 Garand rifles with clips and ammunition, one 5.56mm M16 rifle with magazine and ammunition, one Uzi-type 9mm pistol, one cal .38 revolver, two 20-gauge shotguns, and 15 12-gauge shotguns.
Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera said that the surrender of loose firearms was a result of the 603rd Infantry Brigade’s relentless campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms from June 15 – 26, 2023.
The turnover ceremony was witnessed by Maguindanao del Sur Vice Governor Nathaniel Midtimbang, the local chief executives of the three municipalities mentioned, representatives from the PNP, barangay chairpersons of the concerned barangays, and the owners of the loose firearms.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, attributed this accomplishment to the collaborative efforts of the local government units (LGUs), the military, the police, and other participating agencies.
“With the participation of local government units and our peace partners, the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms is sustained to prevent lawless violence and curb illegal activities in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.
Surrendered loose firearms were temporarily deposited at the 57IB supply room for custody and safekeeping.