Tawi-Tawi local officials hand over loose firearms to marine troops

PAGADIAN CITY (March 3, 2021) – The Local officials of a barangay in Bongao town, Tawi-Tawi handed over seven undocumented fire trms to the marine troops on Sunday, February 28, 2021. 

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. lauded the troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi for their resolve that led to the numerous accomplishments in the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in the province.

“The continued conduct of security forums and dialogues by our marine troops to the residents of Tawi-Tawi bore substantial gains in our efforts to address one of the root causes of lawlessness here in the region,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Around 9 in the morning on February 28, the barangay officials of Mandulan, Bongao handed over two M1 Garand rifles, one cal. 357 Magnum, one cal. 45 with one magazine and 3 live ammunitions, one cal. 38 revolver, one Carbine with a magazine, and one M79 rifle to Lt. Col. Henry Espinosa, Commanding Officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12.

Lt. Col. Espinosa said the barangay officials personally surrendered their unlicensed firearms for fear of being penalized for their unlawful acquisition and possession of firearms.

According to the barangay officials, being a government official way back when the security situation in Tawi-Tawi is unstable, having a firearm in possession is a must because they have to protect themselves from those who intend to inflict harm upon them. 

“The relentless efforts of the military and its peace partners to sustain the peace in the province convinced us to give our renewed trust to the government especially to the marines here in Tawi-Tawi,” said the Barangay Officials.

“With them around us, we are certain that we are safe,” they added.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi expressed his approbation to the officials for entrusting themselves to the military.

“Continue your initiatives on loose firearms. That’s a good indicator. LGUs must participate and encourage their constituents to lay down their arms as an initiative. It’s a display of strength not weakness and care for the future generation,” Brig. Gen. Rojas addressed the barangay officials.

est assured that we will always give our best effort to keep the people of Tawi-Tawi safe and secured,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

The turned-over firearms are placed under the custody of the Marine Company at Sitio Boloboc, Barangay Lakit-Lakit, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi for safekeeping.

The Western Mindanao Command recorded a total of 71 loose firearms turned over to the military since January 1, 2021, 22 of which were surrendered in Basilan, 5 in Sulu, 20 in Tawi-Tawi, 10 in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces, and 21 in central Mindanao. (By JONG CADION with report and photos from PRO9-PIO)

Click link below to read related article…..                                    https://frontlinemindanaobalita.blogspot.com/2021/03/tawi-tawi-local-officials-hand-over.html