In a significant move towards peace, local leaders and residents of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur voluntarily surrendered 16 high-powered weapons to the military on Tuesday. This action is part of the ongoing efforts under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) initiative aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms.
The handover took place in Barangay Salbu, where Lt. Col. Christian Cabading, who leads the 92nd Infantry Battalion, praised the community’s cooperation. ‘The support from Datu Saudi Ampatuan’s local officials and gun owners is crucial for enhancing community safety,’ he remarked.
Among the weapons turned in were two .50-caliber sniper rifles, a 7.62mm sniper rifle, a 5.56mm Ultimax rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, two M79 grenade launchers, an M16 rifle, two 9mm submachine guns, a 9mm pistol, an Uzi machine pistol, two hand grenades, and two rocket-propelled grenades.
Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, head of the 6th Infantry Division, emphasized that the SALW program is vital for reducing gun-related violence and ensuring a peaceful environment during the upcoming midterm elections in May. ‘The community’s backing of this initiative is essential for breaking the cycle of violence,’ he stated.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 400 unlicensed firearms have been surrendered within the operational area of the 6th Infantry Division in Central Mindanao, indicating a strong community endorsement of the campaign.