ZAMBOANGA CITY — At least three barangay chiefs and several aspiring candidates in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections have turned over various types of high-powered firearms and ammunition to soldiers stationed in  Paglat, Maguindanao del Sur.

Joint Task Force Central commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera on Friday disclosed that the candidates for BSKE surrendered their firearms to Col. Jayson Domingo, the commanding officer of the 1st Mechanized Battalion on Thursday.

Rillera said about nine loose high-powered firearms with ammunition were presented in the turnover ceremony held at the Paglat Municipal Hall.

The surrendered firearms consist of two RPGs, one Sniper Rifle 7.62mm, one M79 Grenade Launcher, two 9mm Uzi Submachine Guns, two 40mm Rifle Grenade Launchers along with two cartridges of 40mm HE and one 9mm KG9 SMG.

According to Rillera, the ceremony was presided over by Paglat Municipal Mayor Raisa Langkuno and formally received by Brig. Gen. Andre Santos, the Army's 1st Mechanized Brigade commander.

Among those who witnessed the turnover of the firearms were personnel of Paglat Municipal Police Station, Marietta Ablano, the election officer of the town, eight village chiefs led by ABC president Kamarudin Gumonsang and members of the Municipal Council.