ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A total of 30 assorted loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents of six towns in Lanao del Norte to military authorities, officials said Monday.
Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said the firearms were surrendered around 2 p.m. Friday to the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Lanao del Norte.
Ancan said the firearms consisted of 11 Garand rifles, four M-16 Armalite rifles, four Carbine rifles, five shotguns, and five handguns.
Ancan said the firearms were surrendered in the towns of Matungao, Linamon, Munai, Pantar, Poona-Piagapo, and Pantao Ragat.
Lt. Col. Bernardo Taqueban, the Army's 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion commander, said the surrender of the firearms was a result of the concerted effort and collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders in Lanao del Norte.
Col. Facundo Palafox, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander, who witnessed the ceremonial turned-over of firearms, said the support of the LGUs “in our area of operation to our campaign against loose firearms manifest their desire for lasting peace and prosperity in the province (of Lanao del Norte).”
“We encourage not only the local government units but also other stakeholders especially the local populace of Lanao del Norte, to trust and support our campaign against loose firearms for us to be able to attain a peaceful and secured province towards its faster development,” Palafox said.
Ancan has commended the efforts of the troops and the LGU of Lanao del Norte for the convergence of efforts, which led to the surrender of the loose firearms.
He said they remain steadfast in their commitment “to attain just and lasting peace in our area of operation through our campaign against loose firearms.” (PNA)
