By Edwin Fernandez
COTABATO CITY – Military authorities in an upland town in Maguindanao del Norte have convinced civilians to surrender their unlicensed firearms to support the government’s disarmament program.
On Thursday, a total of 48 assorted high-powered firearms, including sniper rifles and short firearms, were presented by Lt. Col. Aeron Gumabao, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion, to Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, during a surrender program at the municipal gymnasium in Barangay Romongaob.
Gumabao said the activity was conducted as part of the implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program (SALW-MP) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) under the Philippine National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (PNAP-WPS).
“It is reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive peacebuilding, human security, and community empowerment,” Gumabao said.
Also present at the event were Presidential Peace Assistant David B. Diciano, head of OPAPRU’s Bangsamoro Transformation Cluster; South Upi Mayor Helen A. Padua; Maguindanao del Sur police director Col. Michael John Mangahis; and Dr. Aliuddin Haron, head of the secretariat of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Joint Normalization Committee.
Santos described the surrender not merely as a turnover of firearms but as a powerful symbol of transformation and renewed hope.
“Today is not just about 48 firearms laid down — it is about 48 opportunities for peace. Each surrendered weapon represents a life redirected, a family made safer, and a community moving forward. This is proof that when government agencies, local leaders, and our people stand united, peace becomes possible and sustainable,” Santos said.
The surrendered unlicensed firearms will be deposited at the headquarters of the 57th IB for proper custody and safekeeping, in accordance with established protocols. (PNA)
