Maranaos comply with local Army arms reduction campaign

LANAO DEL SUR --- Residents in five Maranao-dominated towns surrendered 140 assorted firearms Monday in support of a domestic disarmament program of the Philippine Army.The firearms were comprised of M-16 assault rifles, launchers for B-40 anti-tank rockets, shotguns, home-made .50 caliber Barret rifles, M1 Garand and Carbine rifles and 40 millimeter grenade launchers.Local executives in Lanao del Sur’s adjoining Kapatagan, Malabang, Picong and Marogong towns turned over the firearms they collected from their constituents to officials of the Army’s 6thInfantry Battalion and the 603rdBrigade in a simple rite Tuesday.Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said he is thankful to the local government units in the four towns for supporting the joint disarmament campaign of the 6thIB which is under the 603rdBrigade.The program was planned by officials of both units on recommendation of Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.Galvez has jurisdiction over military units in central Mindanao, in Marawi City and in Lanao del Sur.Dela Vega said they are expecting more surrenders soon of firearms by residents in towns being secured by personnel of the 6thIB.