The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has destroyed 307 firearms in Maguindanao over the weekend which were seized during various operations against the enemies of the State in Central Mindanao.
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Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, AFP Chief of Staff, led the demilitarization of the weapons that were either interecepted, seized, or turned over to various units under Joint Task Force (JTF) Central during military operations since January.
The ceremonial destruction of the armaments was held at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality last Friday, Dec. 9.
“The demilitarization of firearms is the destruction of firearms whereby all firearm parts shall be rendered ineffective for use as a component or a complete firearm,” Col. Jorry Baclor, chief of AFP public affairs office, said in a statement Sunday, Dec. 11.
“This will be followed by disposing of the CSSR firearms through the burning of the metal parts and scraps,” he added.
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In the traditional "Talk to the Troops" involving 6ID personnel, Bacarro said the demilitarization ceremony showed that the government is serious about stopping the scourge of terrorism and insurgency.
"This ceremony may just look as an ordinary activity. However, this has an effect on the community as we were able to remove these firearms from the hands of the bad people that may cause harm to the public," he said.
"As we demilitarize these firearms, we contribute to the attainment of a peaceful community as we aim towards economic improvement and development," he added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of 6ID and JTF Central, thanked the AFP leadership for supporting their peace intiatives in the region.
Bacarro was in Maguindanao as part of his tour of military camps nationwide to boost the moralw of the soldiers especially those who will be on duty for the Yuletide season.