SEVEN village chiefs handed over loose firearms to military authorities in Carmen, North Cotabato, officials announced Saturday, January 29, 2022.

Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the firearms were received on Thursday, January 27, by Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, commander of 602nd Infantry Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Mundala, commander of 90th Infantry Battalion.

Gonzales said Village Chief Jimmy Cabrillo of Kibudtungan, Percival Bacudo of Aroman, Reynaldo Camique of Tonganon, Acob Guiamilil of Palanggalan, Ronald Akmad of Kibenes, Robert Baguat of Ranzo, and Pepito Calibara of Tacupan handed over a total of five M1 Garand rifles and two US-made Carbine caliber .30 rifles.

“The activity is part of the Balik Baril Program of our unit in partnership with the municipality of Carmen. This is to eradicate illegal firearms in our area of operation,” Mundala said.

Cabrillo said this is their way of expressing their support for the government’s campaign against illegal firearms and to be a good example to their constituents.

Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central, commended the 602nd Infantry Brigade and 90th Infantry Battalion for establishing good relationships with the local officials.

“Their gestures are very much appreciated. May they inspire their constituents who are owners of illegal firearms to also yield their weapons to the military. It would be of great help especially during this election period when we double our efforts to clear the communities from undocumented firearms and sustain the peace in our area of operation,” Rosario said. (SunStar Zamboanga)