Firearms and war materiel surrendered in Maguindanao

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 20, 2018) - With the efforts of the Joint Task Force Central in the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms, a total of nine high-powered firearms (HPFAs) were handed-over to the Joint Task Force around 9am Monday (February 19), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMincom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the surrendered firearms were voluntarily turned-over by local officials from different municipalities, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Task Force Itihad, and a suspected drug personality in Maguindanao to Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Iyog of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion. A locally-made caliber 50 sniper rifle (barret-type) and two US caliber 30 M1 garand rifles which were modified to caliber 7.62 M14 rifles were surrendered by Damabalas, Datu Piang Maguindanao Barangay Chairman Quiapo Dalandas. Barangay Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao Chairman Edris Sindatok also surrendered a US caliber 30 M1 garand which was modified to cal. 7.62 M14 rifle and a US 5.56 colt M16 rifle with magazine. Two others surrendered the following: one US cal. 30 M1 garand; one US cal. 5.56 elisco M16 rifle; a US cal. 5.56 elisco M16A1 rifle; and one locally-made M203 grenade launcher.

“The firearms and war materiel are now under the custody of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion for safekeeping,” said Major General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

“We will make sure that these firearms are properly documented.

“Coordinations are also currently being made with the PNP for the proper legal procedures.” With the intensified operations launched from January 1 to date, a total of 100 loose firearms (52 in Sulu, 39 in Lanao del Sur, and 9 in Maguindanao) were recovered by the troops in the Western Mindanao.

“The recent surrender of nine firearms brings our record to 100 loose firearms surrendered and documented since January of this year,” said WestMinCom Chief Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“In line with the implementation of Martial Law, the Western Mindanao Command maintains its campaign against loose firearms in its joint areas of operation and intensifies security operations against all threat groups and terrorists while also supporting law enforcement operations addressing lawlessnes and illegal drugs.”

“Again, I would like to reiterate that your Armed Forces through WestMinCom is serious in our intent to remove all vehicles of violence in the entire region, no matter what it takes,” he adds.

“They just have to choose whether to turn-over their war materiel the easy way or the hard way,” LtGen Galvez stressed.