THE Army’s 4th Mechanized Battalion facilitated the voluntary surrender of loose firearms by the residents in Liningding village, Munai, Lanao del Norte, officials announced.
Lieutenant Colonel Domingo Dulay, commander of the 4th Mechanized Battalion, said the village chief of Munai, together with one of his residents, personally handed over to them one M-16 Armalite rifle and one AR-15 rifle on Thursday, June 18.
Dulay said the successful surrendered of firearms was also realized with the cooperation of Munai Mayor Racma Andama, who continuously encouraged his constituents to handover their loose firearms.
“The voluntary turnover of loose firearms is a manifestation of community's commitment to achieving lasting peace in Lanao del Norte,” said Brigadier General Facundo Palafox, IV, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander.
Palafox further urged the people to cooperate and report to proper authorities to prevent the proliferation of loose firearms in their communities.
“By handing over your unlicensed firearms, you are significantly contributing to the progress and prosperity in your province,” added Major General Generoso Ponio, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces). (SunStar Zamboanga)