ISABELA CITY, Basilan Province — The municipal government of Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan province has turned over 23 loose firearms to the military in response to the Small Arms and Light Weapons program of the provincial government.
Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Nanoh on Wednesday disclosed that the loose firearms were turned over to Joint Task Force Basilan commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway on Monday.
Nanoh said the different calibers of firearms were collected from residents of the different barangays in her town in response to the SALW program of Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman.
The firearms that were turned over were comprised of one M16A1 rifle, six M1 Garand rifles, two M1 Carbine, two KG-9, two .38 revolvers, and 10 cal. .45 Automatic Colt Pistols.
The governor andBasilan Provincial Police Office director P/Col. Carlos Madronio witnessed the turnover of the firearms in Barangay Tausan, Pilas Island in Hadji Muhtamad town.
“I recognize the collaborative efforts of the 4th Special Forces Battalion and municipal local government unit of Hadji Muhtamad that facilitated the peaceful surrender of loose firearms,” Hataman said.
“Our main objective is to sustain peace and ensure the safety of the peace-loving citizens in the communities,” he added.
The firearms are temporarily placed under the custody of JTF Basilan for documentation before their turn over to higher headquarters.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command recognized the valuable contributions of the outgoing team of the Special Operations Task Force 511.2.
WesMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido presented a Command a Plaque of Appreciation to the SOTF 511.2 during the exit call of Maj. Scott Cook on Monday.