Local government officials from several areas in Maguindanao del Sur surrendered 38 assorted firearms to the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) at their headquarters in Brgy Zapakan, Radjah Buayan.
Hailing from Shariff Aguak, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Sultan sa Barongis, Mamasapano, and Radjah Buayan, the weapons were turned in as part of the “Balik-Baril Program,” aimed at reducing loose firearms in the region.
These include three 60mm mortars, one 40mm M79 grenade launcher, four RPGs, three M203 grenade launchers, one 5.56mm M4 carbine, four 9mm submachine guns, five .38-caliber pistols, four .45-caliber 1911 pistols, three 9mm KG9 submachine guns, five 9mm Uzis, two 9mm Engram submachine guns, one .45-caliber Engram submachine gun, and two shotguns.
The firearms were officially presented to Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog, Commanding Officer of the 601st Infantry Brigade, alongside local officials including Mayor Samsudin Sangki and various barangay chairpersons.
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of WestMinCom, emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to combat the proliferation of loose firearms and uphold peace in the Bangsamoro region.
