OZAMIZ CITY — Elements of the 4th Mechanized Battalion has seized several loose firearms in Barangay Darimbang, Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte on Thursday.
In a press statement, Lt. Col. Domingo G. Dulay, the commander of the 4th Mechanized Battalion said concerned citizens in the area reported to the military that loose firearms are deposited in said village.
Dulay said, “the successful recovery of the firearms was the result of the consistent support from the people in the community.”
The following were the unlicensed firearms 1. three M16 rifles, 2.one M 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) 3.three shotguns. The recovered firearms are now at the custody of 4th Mech Battalion for safekeeping and proper disposition.
The press statement, however, did not reveal other details of the recovery.
Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander, who has operational jurisdiction of Lanao del Norte in the same statement added, “The trust and support of the local populace in our area of operation to our campaign against loose firearms manifest their desire for a lasting peace and prosperity in the province,” said Palafox.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Gene M. Ponio, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, urged the local populace to continue reporting to security forces any threats and illegal activities that disrupt peace and prosperity in their community.
“We ensure to the public that we will respond to their call 24/7, to secure and protect them from any threats and to sustain the peace and progress in our area of responsibility,” Maj. Gen. Ponio added.-Thata RRoxas with PR
