The Army collected 20 combat weapons on January 18, surrendered by Moro villagers in Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte.
The disarmament supports the Mindanao peace process under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program.
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, 6th Infantry Division commander, announced the handover during a January 20 press briefing.
Residents surrendered assault rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, grenade launchers, and rocket launchers through local leaders’ mediation.
Lt. Col. Robert Betita and Col. Ricky Bunayog facilitated the turnover after explaining the SALW Program’s goals and benefits.
The symbolic ceremony at Talitay’s local government center highlighted the villagers’ commitment to peace.
The SALW Program is a joint initiative between the Army and Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace.
Since July 2024, the 6th ID has collected various firearms across Maguindanao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and neighboring provinces.
Nafarrete anticipates more voluntary surrenders in the coming months, driven by support from local governments.
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