CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – The 57th Infantry (Masikap) Battalion intensified their campaign against loose firearms in every corner of their territory.
This was emphasized by Lt. Col. Guillermo Mabute Jr., the head of the 57IB in conjunction with a simple program regarding the presentation of 22 loose firearms held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, South Upi, Maguindanao Del Sur, this June 26.
Among the surrendered weapons were the following: one 5.56mm M16 rifle, two Cal .30 M1 Garand rifles, one Uzi-type 9mm pistol, one Cal .38 revolver; two (20-gauge) shotguns; and fifteen (12-gauge) shotguns and other instruments of violence.
“We are grateful to the barangay officials who helped us to convince the residents to give up their weapons of war as proof of their embracing a life free from violence and paving the way for peace here in the jurisdiction of 57IB”, said Lt. Col. Good.
The said high caliber guns were presented to Brigadier General Michael Santos, Brigade Commander of the 603rd Brigade with Col. Ali Luis Macawaris, the Deputy Commander of the Persuader Brigade.
“I am happy with these activities because our efforts to get rid of these tools of violence are bearing fruit with the help of our local government. I also commend the efforts of 57IB in collaboration with our police and other government security forces”, said Brig. Gen. saint
In his message, Hon. Bai Mariam S. Mangudadatu, governor of Maguindanao del Sur, the important role of local chief executives in the campaign against the proliferation of Loose Firearms, which is one of the ways to ensure a community free from violence towards achieving of lasting peace.
Also supported by Hon. Reynalbert Insular, mayor of South Upi, MDS; Hon Frederick Celestial, Mayor of Lebak, SK; Hon Wilfredo Ibañez, Vice Mayor of Upi, MDN; Hon Roldan M Benito, Vice Mayor of South Upi, MDS regarding the ongoing demolition of the unauthorized by the government forces.
Apart from the aforementioned, barangay officials, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST), security sector and members of the Media also attended.
It can be recalled that earlier this year, 57IB also led a similar operation after 13 loose firearms were also surrendered to them.
Major General Alex S. Rillera, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central praised the 57IB’s continued efforts to dispose of loose firearms. “The intensified campaign against the proliferation of Loose Firearms will go a long way in preventing any armed group from returning to a life of violence. This is a very important contribution to ensure that communities and ordinary citizens are protected against any kind of security threat and violence. We know that every single gun that falls into the hands of an unauthorized person can cause violence and loss of life of innocent citizens. So your army together with the police and community leaders continue to strive to consume these tools of violence” said Maj. Gen. Rillera.
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