Troops from the 34th Infantry Battalion (34IB) confiscated on Monday a cache of 19 firearms during an operation in Brgy. Lower Panangkalan, Pahamuddin—part of the Special Geographic Area in the Bangsamoro region—essentially preventing a potential act of violence.
34IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinay credited the success of the operation to timely information from local residents about the presence of some 25 individuals in the area with alleged malicious plans.
“The armed men fled immediately upon seeing the approaching government troops, leaving behind their weapons and other equipment,” Batinay said.
The seized items included six M4 rifles, six M16 rifles, two M16 rifles with M203 grenade launchers, two M14 rifles, an M1 Garand rifle, a 7.62 sniper rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, magazines, bandoliers, and ammunition.
6th Infantry Division Commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete of the Western Mindanao Command lauded the 34IB troops for this development. He also acknowledged the contributions of civilians who tipped the military to act on the matter.
“The display and possession of firearms is a clear violation of the gun ban mandated under Comelec Resolution No. 11067 during the election period. In response, we immediately alerted all patrol bases and tightened checkpoint operations in the area,” he said.
Nafarrete assured the public of continued safety and strict enforcement of laws, especially during the election season, to uphold peace in the region. The military reiterated its call for community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
