179 loose firearms turned-over to military in 3 towns of Zamboanga Sibugay Province

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 10, 2018) – A total of one hundred seventy nine assorted loose firearms from the three towns in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay were turned-over to 102^nd Infantry Brigade under JTF ZamPeLan in 6 days from May 3-8, 2018, Military Official said.

DPAO Chief Maj. Ronald E. Suscano said that attending the activity were officials of the respective municipalities and barangays, Provincial and municipal police, and officers of the 102^nd Infantry Brigade headed by the Commanding Officer, Col Francisco Ariel Felicidario.

Maj. Suscano disclosed that on May 03, municipality of Payao turned-over five (5) assorted high-powered and ninety-five (95) assorted low-powered firearems while on May 07, municipality of Tungawan turned-over three (3) assorted low-powered firearms and on May 08, municipality of Mabuhay turned-over seventy-six (76) assorted low-powered firearms.

The municipal mayors led the turn-over of firearms from their respective municipalities which is a clear sign that they are fully embracing the AFP campaign against loose firearms to attain peace in this part of Western Mindanao, Maj. Suscano said.

After the inventory, a total of one hundred seventy-nine assorted firearms were turned-over in ZSP broken down into five assorted high-powered firearms and one hundred seventy-four assorted low-powered firearms, DPAO chief added.

The respective Mayors deeply expressed their gratitude for the full cooperation of the local officials especially the Brgy Captains and also to their constituents for their positive response to the campaign against loose firearms. They also emphasized the importance of attaining peace by working together utilizing the potentials and skills of every individuals and never to violence which only ruins the lives of the future generations, Maj. Suscano said.

Col Felicidario, Commanding Officer of 102nd Brigade, said: “I have always mentioned that peace can only be achieved through collaboration of multi-stakeholders as the key to progress and development is only through people’s active participation and unity.  This very positive response of the local folks in our campaign against loose firearms would surely ensure a significanct reduction in the proliferation of unregistered firearms and also the criminal activities perpetrated by the lawless elements in our area of responsibility.”

“With 179 additional loose firearms turned-over, several lives have been saved today”, said Major General Roseller G Murillo, Commander, 1^st Infantry Division and concurrent Commander of JTF “ZamPeLan”.

“The active participation of the local officials and the civilian community of Zamboanga Sibugay Province that led to the success of our campaign against loose firearms is indeed contributory in our common goal to attain peace in the country especially in Mindanao”, he added.

Turned-over of assorted loose firearms are now at the respective municipal police stations for safekeeping and proper disposition.