Residents of Carmen and Pikit towns in Cotabato voluntarily surrendered 21 high-powered firearms to the Philippine Army’s 602nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade on Friday, in what military officials hailed as another step toward lasting peace in the province.
Lt. Col. Erwin Jay Dumaghan, commanding officer of the 40th Infantry (Magiting) Battalion, said the weapons were turned over to his unit in Barangay Ladtingan, Pikit, as a result of the government’s continuing campaign against the proliferation of loose guns.
The surrendered cache included seven M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, two M203 grenade launchers, six 40mm RPGs, and five .50 caliber Barrett rifles. The firearms were subsequently presented to Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, chief the 602nd Brigade, in a ceremony attended by local officials, community leaders, and policemen.
Bunayog said the turnover reflected strong community support for peace efforts in Cotabato. “This is the result of cooperation between local governments, security forces, and the people. We will ensure these firearms will never again be used to spread fear and violence, especially as the BARMM Parliamentary Elections draw near,” he said.
