In a significant move towards peace and security, residents of Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte, handed over 20 firearms to the military on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The surrender took place at the Talitay municipal hall and was part of the Army’s ongoing campaign to curb the circulation of loose weapons in the region.
The collection included a variety of high-powered firearms such as two .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifles, seven M16 and M14 rifles, three Garand rifles, three grenade launchers, one 12-gauge shotgun, two .38-caliber revolvers, and one .22-caliber revolver, along with various types of ammunition. These weapons were turned over to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Robert Betita.
Lt. Col. Betita later transferred the firearms to Col. Ricky Bunayog, the acting commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, during a ceremony attended by local officials. Col. Bunayog praised the community’s action, stating, “This shows the increasing trust of the residents in our efforts to foster peace and development.”
The initiative is part of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) management program, which has been gaining traction among local communities. Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, who commands the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and acts as the Western Mindanao Command, had previously encouraged civilians to surrender unlicensed firearms voluntarily to avoid legal repercussions.