Government agencies, military sign pact for SALW program implementation in Basilan

PAGADIAN CITY (April 9, 2021) - The military, provincial and local government officials, and the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) signed on Thursday morning a memorandum on the implementation of the SALW program in Basilan.

“The JNC, consistent with the normalization process, shall develop a program for reduction and management of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) of individuals and groups,” said Mr. Ariel Hernandez, Chairperson, GPH-JNC.

Small arms are individual-service kinetic projectile firearms while light weapons are infantry-portable weapons that are either crew-served kinetic firearms, incendiary devices, or shoot explosive munitions.

The SALW Program aims to restrict the movement and manage the number of loose firearms in the communities, which is one of the main causes of violence in far-flung areas.

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Joint Task Force Basilan Commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman, Vice Governor Yusop Alano, Lamitan Mayor Rosita Furigay, Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Nerwelyn Mansul, Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud, Tuburan Mayor Durie Kallahal, Sumisip Mayor Jul Adnan Hataman, Tipo-Tipo Mayor Arcam Istarul, Hadji Mohammad Ajul Mayor Ibrahim Ballaho, Al-Barka Mayor Darussalam Lajid, Akbar Mayor Alih Sali, Tabuan Lasa Mayor Brenda Junaid, Ungkaya Pukan Mayor Lutfurrahman Maturan, and Lantawan Mayor Nursiya Ismael joined Mr. Hernandez during the signing of the MOU held at the Kasinnahan Hotel and Resort in Isabela City, Basilan at 9 a.m., April 8, 2021.

In his remarks, Gov. Hataman emphasized that the SALW Program is important for the sustainability of peace and security in Basilan.

“This program in our initiative hence I request everyone to internalize this and let us implement this without reservation for the benefit of the Basileños,” Gov. Hataman addressed the local chief executives of Basilan.

The governor also expressed his gratitude to the military, police, and the national government for the continued support in all their endeavors.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed to sustain the headways and successes on the peace and security efforts in Basilan and intensify the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

This momentous event was witnessed by WestMinCom Deputy Commander for Admin Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Chief of Unified Command Staff Col. Elmer Suderio, Command Inspector General Ismael Mandanas, and Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Personnel Capt. Robeline Carpio; and other guests.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said, “This milestone event confirms the reputation of Basilan in always leading the way, in addressing complicated problems.”

“It is high time that we support this endeavor as we slowly but surely address this systematic problem of loose and unregulated proliferation of firearms,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The JNC together with the PLGU and AFP will lead the implementation of the SALW Program.

During the activity, Col. Suderio and Mr. Hernandez led the consultation and orientation regarding the said program. Mr. Hernandez stressed that there is a need to implement a program that will manage the number of loose firearms at the barangay level thereby addressing the peace and security concerns of the communities. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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