ILIGAN CITY -- The continuing support of the local government units to the Joint Task Force Basilan’s campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms just kept progressing as more firearms were surrendered on Tuesday, May 16, in the Municipality of Al-Barka, Basilan.
Eleven high-powered firearms were turned over by the residents of the different barangays of Al-Barka to the 18th Infantry Battalion behind the efforts of the military troops and the municipal local government unit of Al-Barka headed by Mayor Jaydeefar Lajid.
Photo courtesy: WestMinCom, PA
The joint effort also resulted in the surrender of two Abu Sayyaf Group members identified as Hasan and Dasti, both residents of Barangay Bato-Bato, of the same municipality.
Loose firearms that were surrendered include one M1 carbine, one M1 garand, one shotgun, two KG9 submachine guns, one M79, and five M203 40mm grenade launchers. Meanwhile, the two former ASG members also handed over one M1 Garand rifle and one M16 rifle.
The surrendered firearms and ASG members were presented to Joint Task Force Basilan Commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway and Mr. Anwari Akalun of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office who represented the Provincial Governor, Hon. Jim Hataman-Saliman.
The presentation was witnessed by the barangay chairpersons of the different barangays of Al-Barka. The activity was held at the 18IB headquarters in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City, Basilan.
According to Brig. Gen. Gobway, the surrender of firearms was a result of the military’s relentless campaign against loose firearms under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program. The firearms are currently stored in the 18IB supply room for safekeeping.
Since its launching, the SALW program, a total of 381 assorted loose firearms and the stenciling of 4,323 others have been turned over to authorities.
Western Mindanao Command Commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido commended the troops of Joint Task Force Basilan for their accomplishment. He also expressed his appreciation of the people of Basilan for their commendable action and genuine gesture of giving up their firearms.
“Let us continue to support this campaign which seeks to stop clan war or rido, disarm the armed groups, and prevent terrorism in the communities,” Galido added.