In a significant move to enhance security ahead of the 2025 local elections, village officials from Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, handed over 11 unlicensed firearms to the military on Sunday. The ceremony, held at the municipal building, was led by Matanog Mayor Zohria Bansil-Guro and witnessed by Lt. Col. John de la Cruz of the 2nd Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-2) and Col. Eleuterio Ricardo, the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Director. The surrendered weapons included a variety of rifles and handguns. Lt. Col. de la Cruz expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of the mayor and village officials in the effort to curb the circulation of loose firearms. He emphasized that this action would contribute to peaceful and orderly elections in Matanog and surrounding areas. Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, who leads the 6th Infantry Division and the Army-led Joint Task Force Central, praised the local officials for their commitment to the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program. This program, aimed at removing unlicensed firearms from unauthorized individuals, is a key part of broader efforts to reduce armed violence and promote a safer environment for the upcoming elections.
