Maguindanao del sur: Civilians surrendered eight high-powered firearms, including a 60 mm mortar tube, to military authorities in Maguindanao del Sur on Monday. Lt. Col. Robert F. Betita, commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (IB), presented the weapons to Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, during a turnover ceremony in Guindulungan.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 60IB stated on Tuesday that the surrender is part of the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program, which aims to curb loose firearms and foster peace. The cache, aside from the mortar tube, included seven grenade launchers collected from civilians in Guindulungan town.

Mayor Guiadzali M. Midtimbang expressed that the surrender indicates local residents’ desire to support the government’s peace campaign. Brig. Gen. Catu emphasized that this act reflects not only public cooperation in the campaign against loose firearms but also the people’s desire for peace in communities that have previously suffered from armed hostilities.