THIRTEEN loose firearms were surrendered by village officials in Maguindanao del Sur as authorities continue the campaign against the proliferation of unlicensed guns to ensure safe and secure Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said in a statement Wednesday, October 4, that the 13 loose firearms were surrendered by the officials of 11 villages in the town of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur on Monday, October 2.

The firearms were presented to Datu Montawal Mayor Ohto Montawal and Major Rowel Caacbay, the executive officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion (IB) in ceremony at the town’s gymnasium.

The surrendered firearms include five rocket-propelled grenade launchers, one 12-gauge shotgun, one caliber .22 rifle, two M-79 grenade launchers with two rounds of ammunition, two caliber .50 Barret Sniper rifles, one 60-millimter mortar, and one M-14 Sniper rifle.

The surrender of the 13 loose firearms is a result of the continuing effort of the 90IB, Datu Montawal Municipal Police Station, and Commission on Elections to eradicate loose firearms, maintain peace and stability in the area, and ensure a safe and secure BSKE 2023.

Major General Steve Crespillo, commander of Westmincom, commended the military forces on the ground for the successful execution of the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms.

“We further intensified our campaign in preparation for the BSKE on October 30. We continue to urge gun owners to hand over their loose firearms to avoid penalty,” Crespillo added.

The 13 surrendered loose firearms were brought to 90IB headquarters for safekeeping. (SunStar Zamboanga)