Basilan fully supports government’s peace efforts

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (July25, 2021) —The elected city and barangay officials of Isabela City, Basilan led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman vowed support to the Small Arms and Light Weapons program of the government.

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the signing of Memorandum of Understanding of the local government of Isabela City seals the reputation of Basilan as the pioneer in the implementation of the SALW program.

The signing of MOU was held at the Basketball Court of Infirmary Building in Barangay Sunrise, Isabela City on July 22, 2021.

This was facilitated by Joint Task Force Basilan Commander, Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Basilan Provincial Administrator Manny Muarip, Police Lt. Col. Dennies Gemina of the Provincial Police Office, and 4th Special Forces Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Alex Ampati.

“We appreciate the gestures of support of the local government officials of Basilan in the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms,” said Brig. Gen. Gobway.

“This exemplifies our strong interagency collaboration in eliminating the menaces of society,” he added.

During the activity, Cpt. Mark Christian Sta. Ana of the 9th Special Forces Company presented to Brig. Gen. Gobway and Mr. Muarip a total of 40 assorted loose firearms which include three cal. 30 Garand rifles, one M203 Grenade Launcher, five shotguns, nine cal. 45 pistols, 18 cal. 38 pistols, three cal. 22 pistols, and one cal. Magnum 357 pistol.

Said firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents from the different barangays of Isabela City. “I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan for the huge number of firearms recovered through the SALW program. 244 firearms all in all is a great accomplishment that is worthy of praise and accolade,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Of the 244, 54 were turned over in Isabela City, 40 in Isabela City, 34 in Sumisip, 23 in Hadji Mohammad Adjul, 19 in Maluso, 15 in Ungkaya Pukan, 12 in Tuburan, 11 Hadji Muhtamad, nine in Al-Barka, nine in Akbar, seven in Tabuan-Lasa, seven in Tipo-Tipo, and four in Lantawan. (By Jong Cadion with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)  

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