ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A total of 28 loose firearms with ammunition were surrendered by the residents to government authorities in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, military officials said Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Rolando Orengo, Army’s 55th Mechanized Battalion commander, said the firearms were surrendered around 8 a.m. Tuesday in a simple ceremony at the Sangguniang Bayan session hall of Kolambugan town.
Orengo said the surrender of the loose firearms was facilitated by Mayor Lorenzo Manigos of Kolambugan town.
“The concerted effort and intensified collaboration among our troops, local communities, local chief executives and other stakeholders resulted in the momentous activity,” Orengo said.
He said the surrendered firearms included an M-14 rifle, three .30-caliber M1 Garand rifles, an M161A Baby Armalite rifle, and 19 handguns.
Manigos assured the local government's continuous collaboration with the Army’s 5th Mechanized Battalion, which he lauded for sustaining peace and development in the municipality.
Col. Facundo Palafox, the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander, said: “This is part of our campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms so that our people would feel more secure and safe in their daily activities."
Palafox also urged the locals to cooperate and report to proper authorities the proliferation of unregistered firearms in their communities. (PNA)
