Twenty three assorted high-powered firearms turned-over in Lanao del Norte

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http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032881

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur (April 22, 2018) – The Local officials headed by the Municipal Mayor of Pantao-Ragat in the neighboring province of Lanao del Norte handed-over a total of 23 assorted high-powered loose firearms in a turn-over ceremony held at Municipal Hall of the said municipality yesterday April 21, 2018.

Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Chief Maj. Ronald E. Suscano disclosed that the activity were attended by the officials of the municipality, brgy officials and the key leaders of the Joint Task Force-Ranao (JTF-Ranao) led by Col Robert C Dauz, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade.

Maj. Suscano said, after the inventory, surrendered firearms include ten cal .50 Garand, two cal 5.56mm M4 rifles, one cal 5.56mm M16A1 M653 rifles, three cal 5.56mm M16A1 rifles, one cal .30 Brawning Automatic rifle, and six cal .30 Carbine rifles.

It can be recalled that a series of surrendered loose firearms is happening in this Province which started in the municipality of Munai on April 6. As of today, a total of 100 loose firearms were already surrendered in Lanao del Norte adding the 27 in Salvador town and 20 in Matungao. It was expected then that other municipalities in Lanao Provinces will follow suit, Maj. Suscano added.

         

Pantao-Ragat Mayor Lacson M. Lantud in his speech said, “We fully support the national campaign of the military and the government against loose firearms. We want our town to be peaceful and progressive and we will strive to get even more by convincing other residents to also surrender their unregistered firearms. This is very clear in our theme today: Tulong-Tulong Para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.” 

2nd Mechanized Brigade Commanding Officer Col Robert C. Dauz relayed his message through the local officials present to continuously convince their constituents to surrender their loose firearms and fully cooperate with the local government and the military to attain peace and development.

Army’s Tabak Division Chief Maj Gen Roseller G Murillo, the concurrent Commander of the JTF-Ranao, lauded the troops of the 4th Mechanized Battalion for their efforts and successful negotiations with the civilian residents in partnership with the local chief executives leading to the voluntary surrender of the loose firearms by the local folks.

Surrendered firearms are now at Headquarters of 2nd Mechanized Brigade in Iligan City for safekeeping.