Army seizes 7 high-powered firearms in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Troopers from the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) seized Thursday seven high-powered firearms during combat clearing operations in three Maguindanao towns.

Brigadier General Diosdado Carreon, the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said the loose firearms came from secluded areas of adjoining Rajah Buayan, Sultan Sa Barongis, and Mamasapano, all in the second district of the province.

The military's aggressive drive against unlicensed guns is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against criminality, Carreon said.

The recovered firearms consist of one M14 rifle, one M16 rifle, one homemade M79 launcher, one Ingram machine pistol, two homemade shotguns and one .45 caliber pistol.

“We have been gaining grounds against lawless groups due to our relentless combat clearing operations,” Carreon said.

Lt. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief, said that terroristic activities against military, police, and civilians have been pre-empted due to proactive measures being undertaken with the help of the community. (PNA)