Military collects 19 more firearms in Central Mindanao disarmament drive

The military has seized an additional 19 firearms surrendered by residents in two Central Mindanao towns as part of a regional disarmament program supporting the government's peace process.

Army Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran stated that the collected weapons are now jointly held by the 6th Infantry Division, the 90th Infantry Battalion, and the Navy's 2nd Marine Battalion.

Since 2024, the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program has been implemented in Central Mindanao to maintain peace in areas previously controlled by armed groups.

On February 10, symbolic surrender ceremonies took place in Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Matanog, organized by local military units.

Local officials collaborated with military personnel to encourage residents to participate in the disarmament program.

The campaign covers several provinces in the Bangsamoro region and Region 12, aiming to collect combat weapons voluntarily surrendered by owners.

Since July last year, over 700 combat weapons have been collected across six neighboring provinces as part of this initiative.