GOVERNMENT troops seized 42 firearms in the focused military operations they launched Thursday, July 1, in Maitum, Sarangani province, military official announced Friday, July 2, 2021.

Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said troops of the 38th Infantry Battalion (IB) confiscated 42 homemade shotguns from various personalities in Batian and Zion villages in Maitum town.

Colonel Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the firearms were recovered from the possession of personalities believed to be members of “Militiang Bayan” under Platoon West, Guerilla Front Musa of the New People’s Army’s Far South Mindanao Region.

“Our troops are currently conducting dialogue with the villagers so that they will not anymore be deceived,” Gubat said.

The confiscated firearms were brought to 38IB headquarters in Kamanga village, Maasim, Sarangani province for safekeeping.

“Our aggressive drive against terrorism and lawlessness continues. This proactive measure is done to preempt the terror plots and criminal activities of the malefactors,” said Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force-Central commander.

“As we sustain the momentum, we urge the peace-loving people Mindanao to take steps and support us in our journey towards the attainment of lasting peace and sustainable development in the region,” Vinluan added. (SunStar Zamboanga)