TALITAY, Maguindanao -- Another symbolic ceremony of “Balik Baril
Program” happened at the municipal hall of Talitay, Maguindanao yesterday,
around 9:00am of 21 April 2018, in response to the call of President Rodrigo
Roa Duterte to surrender loose firearms.
Municipal Mayor Abdulwahab M. Sabal, Al-Haj, handed over Twenty Five(25) different types of weapons and ammunitions to 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army (6ID) Assitant Division Commander and Chairman of the GPH CCCH, Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas Donato, and to the Commanding Officer of the 90th Infantry (Bigkis Lahi) Battalion Lt. Col. Crisaldo Fernandez.
The surrender of loose firearms is a concerted effort of the 603rd Infantry Brigade thru the 90IB, and the Local Government Unit headed by Mayor Sabal, Vice Mayor Kamid Buisan, the barangay officials and the peace loving communities of Talitay. The surrendered unlicensed armaments are now in custody of the 90IB for safekeeping.
“I am glad that you are here to witness the Balik Baril Program of Duterte’s government. This is not only the program of Talitay but of the whole nation. We are in support of this program because we shun violence and extremism. We also support other government’s programs in order to get rid of illegal drugs and terrorism,” Sabal said.
“We have three issues here in Talitay: one is the proliferation of loose firearms that is why through the efforts of our Barangay officials we have this Balik Baril Program and secondly is the issue on illegal drugs,” Fernandez said.
“The third one is the forthcoming Barangay Election. In 2016, somebody died here in Talitay,” he said, appealing to the local residents “to refrain from firing your guns.”
“I pose this challenge to you with my gratitude in responding to this Balik Baril program,” Fernandez stressed.
Brig. Gen Donato Jr. said: “as Chairman of the GPH CCCH, I have observed that there is a big concern in terms of our security, due to a large number of private armed groups and of course the proliferation of loose firearms.”
“As your 6ID Assistant Division Chief, I believe that we will be able attain peace if we work together. This Balik Baril program is only one of the many steps that we have to take to have a peaceful Talitay. My sincere congratulations to the people of Talitay headed by your chief executive for having this kind of ceremony,” Donato said.
The president of the League of Mayors in Maguindanao, Mayor Freddie G. Mangundadatu, who also graced the ceremony said, “When I was campaigning here, I can only see swamps all over and only a handful of houses around this town. Now, I am happy that there are already cemented roads and other developments. More development is coming in this town of Talitay.”
Jomar Ongkowa, a local resident of Brgy. Mangay, Talitay, has this to say. “This Balik Baril is the onset of realizing peace here in Talitay. This is a good program that will reduce the number of lawless elements for it will also diminish the bringing of arms around this town.
“Our humble contribution in achieving peace is by reporting to the authorities those who are illegally handling weapons of war,” Ongkowa added.
In relation to the on-going campaign against loose firearms, the 6ID and the Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. General Arnel B. Dela Vega earlier said, “Your Police and Military are the only ones who are allowed to carry armaments as mandated to keep the peace in Central Mindanao. Your involvement to attain a long and lasting peace is by laying down your arms and follows the rule of law.
“This concerted efforts of Talitay local leaders in support to the Balik Baril program of Pres. Duterte, is an expression that you yourselves want to have peace in your area. So let us all together work on it,” Gen. Dela Vega said.
The ceremony was also witnessed by Senior Supt. Edwin BC Wagan, Provincial Police Director of Maguindanao, Maj. Abulbasser P. Adio of 6th CMO (Kasangga) Battalion and Atty. Haron Meling, a former administrator and now a consultant of Talitay, who as well acted as the Master of Ceremony.
Also in attendance during the activity were; Omar Bayao, MILF CCCH Representative; P/INSP Gerodiaz, COP Talitay and Mayor Marop Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak.
For his closing remarks the ABC President Ambel A. Guimadel said: “We are sincerely thankful for your attendance in our humble municipality. This Balik Baril program is a means to finally put an end to all mayhem especially in this town of Talitay.” (By Andy O./6th CMO/posted by Becky D. de Asis-Redline News PH)
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