Maguindanao officials, citizens surrender 13 unlicensed firearms

Local officials and citizens in Maguindanao del Sur have voluntarily surrendered 13 unlicensed firearms to the Army as part of an ongoing campaign against loose guns.

The firearms were turned over by candidates and residents of Mamasapano town during a forum organized by the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion.

Mamasapano Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Jr. played a key role in convincing his constituents and other candidates to surrender their firearms to ensure a peaceful election.

The surrendered weapons were presented to Col. Edgar Catu, commander of the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade, who praised the initiative.

Colonel Catu stated that the surrender of these firearms supports the government's Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, aiming to reduce illegal firearms, dismantle private armed groups, and foster peace.

Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division and head of Joint Task Force Central, commended the officials and candidates for their cooperation with the SALW management program.