COTABATO CITY โ The Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6th ID) has successfully collected over 1,000 combat weapons through a combination of community dialogues and tactical operations, earning praise from top military officials and peace advocates.
During his visit to the 6th ID headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on April 1, Philippine Army Commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido commended the divisionโs efforts in recovering 1,031 firearms over the past two years.
The cache, presented to Galido by 6th ID officials, underscores a significant milestone in the governmentโs drive to reduce armed violence in Central Mindanao.
Confiscated Weapons
The surrendered and confiscated weapons include a formidable array of assault rifles, bolt-action sniper rifles, B40 anti-tank and 40mm grenade launchers, .50 and .30 caliber machine guns, M60 machine guns, .45 and 9mm machine pistols, revolvers of various calibers, as well as 60mm and 81mm mortars. These are now securely stored at Camp Siongco in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, where the division is headquartered.
Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6th ID, reported that some owners voluntarily turned over these weapons in support of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program. This initiative, spearheaded by the division and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), aims to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms in conflict-affected areas.
Seized From Military Operations
The military seized some of the firearms in operations targeting terrorist groups across Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani since late 2023.
โI am thankful to the local government units that actively helped the 6th ID facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms, supporting our broader normalization campaign,โ Galido stated.
According to Gumiran, traditional Moro leaders and peace advocacy groups played a crucial role in persuading individuals to relinquish their unlicensed firearms, reinforcing the governmentโs peace initiatives in southern Moro communities.
SALW Program
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr. also lauded the 6th ID for its commitment to the SALW program, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the military, local officials, and community leaders.
โWe deeply appreciate the efforts of local executives and traditional leaders in advancing this normalization initiative. Their cooperation has been invaluable in strengthening peace and security across the region,โ Galvez said in a message to reporters in Cotabato City.
With continued efforts from the military and local stakeholders, the campaign against illicit firearms marks a significant step toward long-term peace and stability in Central Mindanao.
