Datu Saudi Ampatuan yields unlicensed firearms to JTFC

BEAR NO ARMS --- Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Edris Sindatok  (right) and Barangay Chairman Anwar Kedtag of Elian (3rd from right) turn over to military officials unlicensed firearms surrendered by certain personalities in different villages of the town.

 CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- Seven barangays of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao handed over unlicensed firearms to the 57th Infantry Battalion and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion under the 601st Infantry Brigade last December 10. 

These were voluntarily turned over by the barangay chairmen of Madia, Gawang, Elian, Salbu, Kitango, Kitapok, and Dapiawan to the municipal mayor.

The firearms were received by Lt. Col. Edwin M. Alburo, commanding officer of the 57th IB, and Capt. Dominador G. Tagorda III, company commander of the 14th Mechanized Company, during the town’s Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting at the Municipal GAD Office presided over by Mayor Edris A. Sindatok.

                                                                                

Among those surrendered firearms were one homemade caliber .50 rifle, three 40mm M79 grenade launcher, one homemade 7.62mm M14 rifle, one 12-gauge shotgun, and one caliber .45 pistol.

“The municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan has proven their support and cooperation on our government's campaign against loose firearms,” said Lt. Col. Alburo.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th ID, expressed his appreciation to the local chief executive and the barangay chairmen of Datu Saudi Ampatuan for their genuine gesture to participate in the campaign of the government against loose firearms. (DPAO, 6th ID / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)