DAVAO CITY – The local government of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao turned over 12 high-powered firearms to the 602nd Infantry Brigade Thursday.
In a statement, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the firearms were handed over by residents of the town to the municipal government.
“The firearms include nine Garand rifles, one muzzle caliber .30, one 7.62 sniper rifle, and one Carbine rifle,” Vinluan said.
The ceremonial turnover was led by town mayor Ohto Montawal at the Session Hall of the municipal hall.
The 90th Infantry Battalion facilitated the turnover of the firearms.
Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion, said the turnover of the firearms "came after a series of dialogues and negotiations with the barangay and municipal government officials of Datu Montawal.”
The firearms are currently at the 90th IB headquarters for proper disposition.
The military said 15 firearms in Central Mindanao have been turned over to them since Jan. 1 this year.