AUTHORITIES have seized firearms without resistance from a group of persons creating tensions in a law enforcement operation in a community in Pandami, Sulu, the military said Sunday, January 26, 2025.
The 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB) did not mention to what particular village the firearms were seized as well as the identities of the people involved in the incident on Saturday, January 25.
The 104IB said the confiscated firearms include an M-14 rifle, an M-79 Grenade Launcher, a caliber .45 pistol, and a 9-millimeter pistol as well as several ammunitions.
“Remarkable, the operation was carried out without any resistance from the perpetrators or the discharge of a single bullet,” the 104IB said in a statement.
Prior to the confiscation of firearms, the troops have been monitoring reports of individuals carrying guns and creating tension within the community, the 104IB said.
The report prompted the troops of the 104IB’s Alpha Company, together with the police forces of Pandami, to conduct a joint operation in the area which led to the confiscation of the high-powered firearms and ammunition.
The confiscated firearms were placed under the custody of the Pandami Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, 101IB commander, has expressed gratitude to the concerned citizens who provided crucial information, allowing them to take prompt action.
“Such behavior will help prevent further criminal activities, including feuds and other related crimes, that could destabilize the community,” Dalumpines said in a statement.
He urged the public to refrain from possessing unlicensed guns, “as we will confiscate them without hesitation”. (SunStar Zamboanga)