157 firearms yielded by Zambo officials

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 22, 2018) - Officials turned-over 157 loose firearms to the Western Mindanao Command in this city, Wednesday (February 21), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the surrendered firearms were presented by Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar to Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. in a ceremonial turn-over ceremony held in Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city at 2:30pm Wednesday (February 21).

“Barangay officials from Arena Blanco, Tigtabon, Mercedes, and Cabaluay yielded the said firearms to military and police units as an offshoot of the sustained campaign against the proliferation of unregistered and loose firearms,” said Colonel Leonel Nicolas, Commander of the Task Force Zamboanga.

Cpt. Petinglay said turned over were 29 FAs composed of 16 Caliber 30 M1 Garand rifles through 11th Infantry Battalion, eight M1 Garand rifles through the Marine Battalion Landing Team-11, four M1 Garand rifles and a 66mm HE Rocket Launcher through the JTF Zamboanga. The Zamboanga City Police Office also presented to the WestMinCom chief 128 loose firearms, consisting of 92 shotguns, an M16 rifle, fifteen 9mm pistols, eight Caliber Revolvers, eleven Caliber .45 pistols, and a Caliber .22 pistol.

“The Philippine National Police has recorded a total of 29,480 loose firearms as of this moment, but because of the implementation of Republic Act No. 10591, there are only 25,245 firearms left,” said Police Senior Superintendent NarcisoVerdadero, deputy for operations of the Police Regional Office 9, representing Police Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 9.

 “We believe that these loose firearms were used in different forms.”

The Mayor of Zamboanga City, Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said in her message,”We are just here to show our commitment and support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This turnover only showcases the success of the cooperation between the military and police.”

“On behalf of our barangay officials, I want to extend my gratitude to Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr. for ensuring the security of Zamboanga City.

In his reply, Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command said, “The Western Mindanao Command extends its sincerest gratitude and compliments to the local officials present here today, headed by hon. Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, for putting their trust in the armed forces as the WestMinCom takes strides to neutralize loose firearms and disarm armed groups in ZamBaSulTa area,” he added.

Cpt. Petinglay further said that the activity brings to 257 the total number of loose firearms recovered by the Joint Task Forces in the joint area of operations from January 1 to February 21, 2018. Of the 257 firearms recovered this year, fifty-two were surrendered by municipal and barangay officials in Sulu; thirty were surrendered by former warring clans after Rido settlements in Marawi City; nine were recovered by the troops following a law enforcement support operation in Lanao del Sur; nine were surrendered by local officials in Maguindanao; and 157 were turned over today in Zamboanga City.

In line with the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the campaign against loose firearms was launched by the Joint Task Forces to implement the Security, Governance and Development Strategies of Martial Law in Mindanao.

“We would like to urge other officials and residents to do the same in order to free communities from these vehicles of violence.”

“If Zamboanga City can do their share of commitment to a peaceful community, I am also sure the others in ZamBaSulTa can also do the same,” added LtGen Galvez.