ISABELA CITY, Basilan Province — Two local government units in Basilan province have yielded at least 23 loose high-powered firearms as their local chief executives also agreed to sign a "peace covenant" as a commitment to ensure a peaceful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023.

Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, said the signing of a peace covenant was held at the covered court of Barangay Buton, Hadji Mohammad Ajul with Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman witnessing the event on Wednesday.

Luzon said the signing of the covenant served as a beacon of peace in their pursuit of a free, honest, credible, safe and secure Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

Tabuan-Lasa Mayor Moner Manisan turned over 12 high-powered firearms including three M16 rifles, one M14 rifle with scope, one KG9, one M203 Grenade Launcher and six Garand rifles.

Meantime, Hadji Muhammad Ajul Mayor Talib Pawaki surrendered 11 high-powered firearms, composed of four M16 rifles, one M203 Grenade Launcher, one Carbine, one RPG and four Garand rifles.