TWELVE assorted high-powered firearms turned over by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) operating in Lanao del Norte were destroyed by the Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office (PRO) on Monday in Camp Vicente Alagar, Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.
PRO Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Lyndel Desquitado said the firearms and ammunition of different calibers were surrendered in November last year by the MNLF faction of Nur Misuari led by its commander, Abedin Sanguila.
Desquitado lauded the turnover saying the turnover and subsequent decommissioning of the firearms is a step in the right direction.
“Ang tanan turned over firearms coming from the MNLF and other secessionist movements are subject for demilitarization and destruction,” Desquitado said.
Desquitado said proper disposal is necessary to prevent these firearms from going back to to the hands of lawless individuals or groups.
“Giputol-putol gyud ang parts nga beyond repair,” Desquitado said.
The corresponding ammunition turned over are set to be disposed of in a safe and secure place.
“Gidayeg nato ilang intention to the peace process and by destroying these ma-prove sad ang sincerity sa government nga dili na gyud ni magamit in any way in the future," Desquitado said.
“This is a good step in attaining peace sa region and I hope it will be replicated in other parts of Mindanao,” Desquitado added.