‘Balik-Baril’ program yields 76 firearms

GUNS of Maguindanao

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao  --- The local government units of Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao turned over 45 and 31 loose firearms, respectively, at the Municipal Hall of Sultan Kudarat last April 17.

Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem B. Mastura and Sultan Mastura Mayor Datu Rauf T. Mastura turned over the firearms surrendered by the residents of their towns to the 37th Infantry Battalion under the 603rd Infantry Brigade in a ceremony organized by the Nuling Inter-Agency Task Force.

603rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Jess B. Sarsagat expressed his gratitude to the local officials of both municipalities as this brought fruitful outcome of the “Balik Baril” program.

“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 surrender of loose firearms in Maguindanao province continues to increase due to the boundless support of the local government units as part of the government’s “Balik Baril” program, the commander of 6th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, said.

As of April 18, a total of 515 firearms have been recovered and surrendered in the areas of the 6th ID (ODPA, 6th ID)