A total of 97 loose firearms were surrendered to government troops by civilians in a simple ceremony held at the Municipal Gym of Maitum, Sarangani early this week.
Col. Eduardo Gubat, commander of the Philippine Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade (IB), said that the surrendered firearms included 94 homemade shotguns with bullets; two M79 grenade launchers; and a homemade pistol.
According to Gubat the guns came from various personalities some of whom are believed to be members of the ‘Militiang Bayan’ under New People’s Army’s Platoon West Musa of Far South Mindanao Region.
He said the surrendered firearms resulted from the community support program and sustained focus military operations conducted by the ‘We Clear Troops’ since June 9, 2021 in the barangays of Zion, Batian, Upo, and New La Union, all of Maitum, Sarangani.
This is a clear manifestation that the communist terrorist group (CTG) is weakening in Sarangani Province as 38IB intensified its campaign against loose firearms and continues to pursue the remnants of the communist terrorists in the province, Gubat said.
6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy applauded the efforts of his men to continuously protect the residents of Sarangani Province and create an environment conducive for sustainable development and lasting peace.
“Every loose firearm surrendered paved the way to save innocent lives and to secure a better future for the next generations”, Uy added.
