Esperanza LGU turns over loose firearms

HOME FOR PEACE --- A BIFF member shakes hands with a police officer after his group surrenders to the government to live normal lives. (Photo supplied – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao --- A total of 32 loose firearms were handed-over to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Alvin G. Iyog in a turn-over ceremony last January 11 at the Municipal Hall of Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat.

.The ceremony was spearheaded by Helen Latog, mayor of The municipality of Esperanza.

One 12 gauge shotgun with ammunitions and one cal.40 light pistol were handed-over by the local folks from different barangays of the Esperanza town facilitated by the local government.

"The hand over is a continuing campaign against the proliferation ofloose firearms in the area of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade inpartnership with other stakeholders and local government," said

Brig. Gen. Robert C. Dauz.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, expressed his gratitude to the efforts of the local government officials and its constituents of Esperanza for extending their support of the AFP’s campaign against loose firearms.

"I also commend Brig. Gen. Dauz and Lt. Col. Iyog, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, respectively, for the job well-done." Maj. Gen. Sobejana added.

A total of 1,972 have been handed over and recovered in the areas of the JTF Central since the campaign was started. (ODPA, 6th ID – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)