8 loose firearms in Maguindanao del Sur surrendered to Army

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines – The Pandag municipal government in Maguindanao del Sur turned over eight high-powered firearms and ammunition to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion on Thursday.

Pandag Mayor Mohajeran Balayman said the surrender of unlicensed guns was in support of the national government’s campaign dubbed “Balik Baril Program.”

These were voluntarily handed over by the town residents.

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Lt. Col. Jayson Domingo, commanding officer of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and Balayman presented the surrendered firearms to Col. Ronel Manalo, deputy commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, during ceremonies at the municipal hall.

Manalo said loose firearms aided the perpetuation of violence that threatened the peace in local communities.

He lauded the Pandag local officials for supporting and helping the security forces maintain law and order in their communities.