ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) led Thursday the destruction of more than 600 loose firearms in Camp Basilio Navarro here.
“The fewer firearms in the hands of the people, who are not authorized to possess guns, the better for the peace and order,” said Gen. Noel Clement, AFP chief-of-staff, who visited the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters here.
The destroyed firearms were seized by various Westmincom units from lawless elements such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and New People’s Army rebels.
The firearms of different calibers, including crew-served weapons, were first cut into pieces with the used of electric grinder and later burned.
Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Westmincom spokesperson, said the firearms were seized by the troops in law enforcement and combat operations since January this year.
Clement said the confiscation of the firearms has lessened the capability of lawless groups in creating havoc here in areas under the Westmincom jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Clement said that the AFP is set to deploy new equipment and armaments to boost the capability of the troops in addressing “threat groups” in this part of the country.
“Once these (equipment) are declared mission capable, we will be deploying that here in Westmincom area,” Clement said.
Earlier this week, the Philippine Navy has deployed the BRP-Emilio Jacinto (PS35) to the Naval Forces Western Mindanao to strengthen its maritime patrol and interdiction. (PNA)
