2 months ago
19
COTABATO CITY — Civilians in three towns within the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM) surrendered 41 unlicensed firearms to support peace and development efforts, a military official said Monday.
Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinay, commander of the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion (34IB), said the firearms were turned over by residents of Nabalawag, Kadayangan and Pahamuddin.
On Sunday, Batinay presented the weapons to Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the 602nd Army Brigade, during a ceremony at the 34IB headquarters in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
"The turnover of these firearms marks another significant step in the government's commitment to promoting peace and security in the SGA," Batinay said.
The firearms were initially surrendered to local chief executives as part of the government's disarmament program, which aims to reduce the number of loose firearms in communities.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Bunayog praised stakeholders for their dedication to sustaining disarmament efforts and strengthening law enforcement in the region.
