Military, LGUs’ peace initiatives continue to reap positive result in Tawi-Tawi

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 22, 2021) - The continuous conduct of peace campaigns by the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and the local government units influences more and more civilians to surrender their loose firearms, the WestMinCom Commander said.

This statement came after receiving a report of another successful turnover of a loose firearm in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on June 21, 2021.

Based on the report, a 48-year old man, married, and resident of Sitio Kubang, Barangay Mandulan, Bongao turned over his M16-A1 rifle to the troops of the 512th Marine Company while the latter was conducting dialogue together with the barangay officials in the area.

“The campaign against illegal firearms, weapons, and ammunition is one of our major programs to ensure the sustainable peace here in Tawi-Tawi,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of JTF Tawi-Tawi.

The surrendered firearm is placed under the custody of Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 for safekeeping.

“We attribute this accomplishment to the cooperation of the local government units and the peace-loving people of Tawi-Tawi who sincerely support us in all our endeavors,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

Since January 2021, JTF Tawi-Tawi recovered 42 loose firearms in the province, 27 of which are high-powered and 15 are low-powered.

“The armed forces continue to employ peaceful mechanisms to end hostilities in the communities by pacifying warring clans and encouraging the people to yield their loose firearms in adherence to the law,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.(By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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