ZAMBOANGA CITY – The municipal government of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao has turned over to military authorities 12 high-powered firearms in support to the campaign against the proliferation of unlicensed guns, officials announced Friday.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the firearms that were turned over Thursday to the 602nd Infantry Brigade include nine Garand rifles, one Muzzle caliber .30, one 7.62 Sniper rifle, and one Carbine rifle.
Vinluan said the unlicensed firearms were surrendered by the residents of Datu Montawal to the municipal government.
Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, 90th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said the residents surrendered the loose firearms following series of dialogues and negotiations with the barangay and municipal government officials.
The turned-over firearms are currently deposited at the 90IB headquarters for proper disposition.
Datu Montawal Mayor Ohto Montawal, who led the ceremonial turnover of loose firearms to Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said they fully support the campaign of the national government against loose firearms.
Montawal vowed to continue to help the military in disarming all those who own undocumented firearms.
Capulong expressed his gratitude to Montawal and other local officials for giving their trust and support to the military.
“Through our good convergence, we expect a continuous turnover of loose firearms in our area of operation,” Capulong said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Central commander, said that only authorized individuals are allowed to possess and carry firearms.
“Those people who unlawfully carry or possess firearms will be subjected to law enforcement operations,” Uy said. – Nikolai Gonzalo
