271 firearms surrendered in Maguindanao Sur

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Residents from different municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur surrendered 271 firearms to authorities on Thursday following intercession by local officials.

The firearms were presented by Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, chief of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, to Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara of the 6th Infantry Division (ID).

The ceremony was attended by Ferdinand Buscato of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Gov. Ali Midtimbang and Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu.

In July 2024, the 6ID and the OPAPRU started implementing the small arms and light weapons (SALW) program in Central Mindanao, as part of the disarmament agenda of the government’s peace overture with Muslim communities.

The firearms included assorted rifles, machine guns and rocket launchers as well as grenades, the Army said.

Cagara thanked all supporters of the program including mayors and community leaders.

Since 2024, the 6th ID has collected 2,021 firearms through the SALW program, which is being implemented in Cotabato, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sarangani, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. 

Owners were given rice and other relief provisions for surrendering their firearms.