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Manila Bulletin devider devider Loose firearms recovered in C. Mindanao destroyed

Loose firearms recovered in C. Mindanao destroyed

Published Oct 26, 2018 01:03 pm
By Ali Macabalang COTABATO CITY - The Sixth Infantry Division (6ID) destroyed thousands of loose firearms it had collected in Central Mindanao under the Duterte administration’s intensified “Balik Baril” program that is meant to stabilize peace and security in Southern Philippines. (Photo courtesy of 6ID/Manila Bulletin). (Photo courtesy of 6ID/Manila Bulletin). Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), led the symbolic disposal of the undocumented assorted firearms on Wednesday to coincide with the 6ID’s 31st founding anniversary in its headquarters in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao. Dela Vega, who once headed the 6ID before assuming the WestMinCom leadership early this year, was joined in the event by his successor Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu. Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, born in North Cotabato and raised in nearby Maguindanao, also graced the occasion as keynote speaker and guest of honor. 6ID covers Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat provinces and parts of Lanao del Sur where close to 3,000 loose firearms, machineguns, and launchers for 60 and 81-millimeter mortars and B-40 anti-tank rockets, were collected this year under the enhanced “Balik Baril” program of the government. Operatives of three infantry brigades, a mechanized brigade and a Marines Brigade under the 6ID operational control had collected the assorted firearms in coordination with local police units, peace and order councils and field leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to Sobejana. Lorenzana was joined by dozens of military, police and civilian officials in watching a bulldozer run over the assorted firearms. “Many of the firearms (destroyed at the ceremony) were surrendered by feuding clans reconciled by the provincial government of Maguindanao,” Dela Vega told reporters.
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