Talitay: Local officials of Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte have voluntarily surrendered unlicensed firearms to military authorities in support of the government’s disarmament program. Talitay Mayor Sedik Ameril led local officials in turning over a dozen assorted high-powered firearms to Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Robert Betita, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, on Monday afternoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the firearms were voluntarily surrendered by village officials and civilians from different barangays of Talitay. The 12 surrendered firearms included two sniper rifles and several grenade launchers and ammunition.

Lt. Col. Betita lauded Ameril for supporting the government’s disarmament program, which aims to establish a peaceful environment in previously conflict-affected communities. Brig. Gen. Catu urged other local officials who still possess unlicensed firearms to surrender them before law enforcement operations are launched. He added that the 601st Brigade is always open for those who wish to take part in the peace campaign in partnership with other government agencies.

The surrender of unlicensed guns forms part of the Army’s Sustained Campaign on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program. Since January 2024, more than 1,400 firearms have been confiscated, captured, or surrendered to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.