TWO towns officials in Lanao del Sur province have turned over four high-power firearms to military authorities as they expressed support to the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte in eliminating loose firearms in the country.

Mayor Aida Gauraki, of Kapai, Lanao del Sur has turned over Saturday, August 1, one caliber 50 Sniper Rifle with three live ammunition and one 7.62-milimeter Sniper Rifle to the 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Gauraki underscored the importance of keeping her town safe from loose firearms.

“Eradicating culture of violence will pave the way to a more peaceful and more conducive for development municipality” she added.

On the other hand, Mayor Cosain Capal of Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur has turned over Saturday, August 1, one M16A1 Elisco rifle and one caliber 30 US M1 Carbine with one (1) magazine.

Capal has thanked the military for the support being extended to his municipality as they saturate the town on information drive against the proliferation of loose firearms.

Lieutenant Colonel Rafman Altre, 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, lauded the efforts of the two town chiefs and motivated all municipal mayors under the area of operations of 82IB to be more relentless in putting a stop against the proliferation of loose firearms.

“The efforts of Kapai and Tagoloan II are contributing a lot in our quest for a just and lasting peace in the province,” Altre said.

“May their initiatives be replicated and be an example to other municipalities,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)