Army Scores Firearms in Lanao del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur  (March 26, 2019) – Eleven loose firearms, magazines and ammunitions were turned over by the local government unit of the municipality of Taraka, Lanao del Sur 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2019, military official disclosed.

Capt. Clint Antipala, Tabak Division Public Affairs Chief said that Taraka Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan, ceremonially handed over the firearms to Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, 49th Infantry Battalion Commander, in the municipal hall.

Antipala added that the firearms consist of the following:

one caliber .50 mm Barrett sniper rifle,

one M16, one AR15,

one 12 Gauge shotgun and

seven handguns.

“While our combat operation against Dawlah Islamiya is relentless, we will still continuously collaborate with local government units in our efforts for the surrender of loose firearms in our area of operation,” said Col. Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

 “Likewise, we thank them for their trust and support to our troops in contributing peace and development in the whole province of Lanao del Sur,” Brawner added.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, the Army’s premier Infantry (Tabak) Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops and local government unit of Taraka for the successful hand over of the loose firearms.

“Collective efforts of various stakeholders is very essential in the attainment of peace and prosperity in our area of operation,” Ancan also said. (By JONG CADION with DPAO PR and photos)