4 more Maguindanao towns yield loose firearms

SURRENDERED. The 59 loose firearms yielded by the towns of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Talayan, and Guindulungan.  Residents of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town also surrendered another 17 unlicensed firearms during separate turnover rites on Tuesday in Maguindanao. (Photo by 6ID)

CAM

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – More unlicensed guns in the hands of civilians in Maguindanao were turned over to the military in support to the government’s disarmament program, the Army here said.

On Tuesday, a total of 76 unlicensed firearms were turned over in separate ceremonies by the town mayors of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Talayan, Guindulungan and Datu Saudi Ampatuan of Maguindanao, according to Capt. Arvin John Encinas, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson.

Three of the four mayors, namely Datu Anggal Midtimbang Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang, Talayan Mayor Datu Tungkang Midtimbang, and Guindulungan Mayor Datu Midpantao Midtimbang, have turned over 59 assorted firearms to the military’s 90th Infantry Battalion (IB) in ceremonies held at the Talayan Municipal Hall.

The surrendered war materials included mortar launchers, mortar ammunition, .50 Barrett sniper rifles, grenade launchers, Garand and M16 rifles.

“The surrender of loose firearms of the three municipalities are through the concerted efforts of the “Kapamagayon” Inter-agency Task Force, a unit collaboration of the local government units of Mother Kabuntalan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Talayan, Talitay, and Guindulungan as a mechanism of peace and development within the clustered municipalities under the supervision of 90th IB,” Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, 6th ID chief, said.

Encinas said Mayor Bai Anida Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, has also surrendered 17 loose firearms to the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 57th Infantry Battalion in the area.

The firearms were collected from civilian residents of Barangays of Gawang, Kitango, Kitapok, Madia, Kabengi and Salbu.

Brig. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, formally received the firearms in a ceremony held at the Datu Saudi Ampatuan municipal hall.

Dela Vega said he was glad the “Balik Baril “ program of the government being implemented in Mindanao where Martial Law is in effect has gained the support of local officials.

To date, local officials and residents surrendered a total of 740 firearms within the 6ID area of responsibility. (PNA/By Noel Punzalan and Edwin Fernandez )