Local officials hand over loose firearms to troops in Tawi-Tawi

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (August 3, 2021) - Barangay officials of Lookan Banaranan, Sapa-Sapa town in Tawi-Tawi handed over four high-powered firearms and several ammunitions to the troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi on the 2nd day of August 2021.

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, turned over were the following high powered firearms: one M16, two Garand, and one Carbine.

Also turned over were four short and one long magazines of M16, two clips for Garand, one magazine for Carbine, 22 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, 14 rounds of 30mm live ammunition, and six rounds of 7.69mm live ammunition.

“Said firearms were surrendered by a certain Abduljim Kusasi, Altriki Yusoph, Renaldo Mabini, and Lookan Barangay Chairman Ronald Shalim,” said Lt. Col. Benjie Pendon, Commander of Marine Battalion Landing Team 6.

Lt. Col. Pendon further stated that the handing over of loose firearms is a result of the series of dialogues conducted by MBLT 6 in coordination with the local officials as well as their information campaign in connection with the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms under the comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition or RA 10591.

Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander, Col. Romeo Racadio said that all units under his command remain steadfast in the continuing campaign against loose firearms.

“Our main objective is to get rid of loose firearms which are the main causes of violence in the communities,” said Col. Racadio.

The successful turnover of loose firearms held at the Barangay Hall of Lookan was facilitated by the 36th Marine Company and the officials of the said barangay.

The surrendered firearms are placed under the custody of 36MC for safekeeping.

“This exemplifies the good interagency collaboration and cooperation that we have established with the local government units and stakeholders as we continue to work towards the achievement of peace and development in the communities,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Since January 2021, JTF Tawi-Tawi had a total of 49 firearms gains, 31 of which are high-powered and 18 are low-powered.(By JONG D. CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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