15 loose firearms surrendered in Maguindanao

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 04, 2018) - The untiring support of the local chief executives in Maguindanao on the Joint Task Forces Central’s campaign against loose firearms are continually progressing as more firearms were surrendered Saturday morning (March 3, 2018) in the Municipality of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that 15 high and low-powered firearms with magazines and ammunitions were surrendered by the local residents of Barangays Meta, Maitumaig, Pananget, Macalag, Tuntungan and Bulayan all of Datu Unsay to Brigadier General Diosdado Carreon, Commander 601st Infantry Brigade through the Municipal Officials of Datu Unsay headed by Hon. Bai Reshal S. Ampatuan at Municipal Hall, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao. Surrendered were one M16A1 rifle, three M1 Garand rifles, four homemade 12 gauge shotgun, two homemade shotgun (converted), two caliber 45, one caliber 9mm and two Uzi.

The said endeavor is through the continuous collaboration of government forces with the local chief executives and barangay officials in the implementation of martial law and the campaign against loose firearms, Brigadier General Carreon said.

Last Febraury 27, 2018 residents of the municipalities of Buldon, Parang, Matanaog and Barira in Maguindanao also surrendered a total of 88 high and low powered loose firearms, Cpt Petinglay added.

Major General Arnel B Dela Vega, Commander Joint Task Force Central expressed his appreciation to the people of Maguindanao under his area of jurisdiction for their commendable action and genuine gesture in giving up their firearms.

Cpt Petinglay stresses that from January 1 to March 3, this year, 388 loose firearms were already turned-over to the JTF’s of WestMinCom, 192 of which were surrendered in Zamboanga, 52 in Sulu, 30 in ZamPeLan, and 114 in Central.

“The campaign of the government against loose firearms seeks to stop the clan war or rido cases, disarm the armed groups, and prevent terrorism particularly in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

“Again, my congratulations to our Joint Task Force Central headed by Major General ArnelDelavega for this accomplishment,” Commander WestMinCom adds.