Loose guns turned over to Army by Maguindanao local officials

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The local government of Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura in Maguindananao turned over 45 and 31 loose firearms, respectively, at the Municipal Hall of Sultan Kudarat on April 17, the Army said.Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem B. Mastura and Sultan Mastura Mayor Datu Rauf T. Mastura turned over the firearms collected from the residents of their towns to 37thInfantry Battalion under 603rdInfantry Brigade in a ceremony organized by Nuling Inter-Agency Task Force.Brig. Gen. Jess B. Sarsagat, 603rd brigade commander,expressed his gratitude to the local officials of both municipalities in as this provided fruitful outcome. These loose firearms will never be used to sow terror in the community, hence everybody must embrace the culture of peace for a progressive and prosperous Nuling Municipalities, he said.The loose firearms surrendered in Maguindanao continuous to increase, due to the boundless support of the local government units as part of the government’s ‘balik baril’ program, according to6thInfantry Division, Maj. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega.As of today,a total of 600 loose firearms were recovered and surrendered in various areas under the6th ID area of operation.