By Edwin Fernandez
PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat – The government’s campaign against unlicensed firearms continues to gain ground in this province, with 29 assorted weapons voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade.
Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, the brigade commander, said the surrender was the result of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local authorities.
The firearms were formally presented at the Function Hall of the Palimbang Municipal Building on Monday.
“This initiative is part of the National Campaign on Loose Firearms and Small Arms and Light Weapons Program, which aims to curb the proliferation of unregistered and illegally obtained weapons,” Santos said. He described these firearms as a significant threat to public safety, often used in acts of violence.
The surrendered firearms included 10 high-powered and 19 low-powered guns.
Santos said the surrender process was conducted safely and confidentially, encouraging individuals to hand over their weapons without fear of legal repercussions under existing amnesty programs.
Palimbang Mayor Joenime Kapina joined the event alongside the commander of the 37th Infantry Battalion, police, and other local officials.
“This is a testament to our collective commitment to creating a safer environment for our families and future generations,” Kapina said, commending those who turned in their firearms and emphasizing the importance of community involvement in maintaining peace and order.
Santos encouraged others still holding unregistered weapons to follow suit.
He said the surrender of the 29 firearms marks a significant step toward making Palimbang a gun-free municipality. The 603rd Infantry Brigade, which operates in Sultan Kudarat and is part of Maguindanao del Norte, is under the 6th Infantry Division’s supervision.
The 6ID has facilitated the surrender of 242 rebels and the confiscation of more than 500 unlicensed firearms and 200 explosives since January. (PNA)
