FOUR firearms, including a high-powered sniper rifle, were surrendered by officials of the municipality of Butig, Lanao del Sur to military, officials said.
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, Army's 49th Infantry Battalion commander, said the firearms were surrendered to his command around 1 p.m. Monday, November 25.
The surrendered firearms consisted of one caliber 50 Barret sniper rifle, one M-203 Grenade Launcher, and two handguns, as well as magazines and ammunition.
Villanueva said the surrender of the firearms was made possible through the concerted effort and intensified collaboration among the troops, local government officials, residents and other stakeholders in the town of Butig, the birthplace of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute Group.
Colonel Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the surrender of the firearms is a result of the continuous campaign against proliferation of loose firearms in Lanao del Sur.
The continuous campaign has been conducted to ensure the residents "would feel more secured and safe in their daily activities." (SunStar Zamboanga)