ZAMBOANGA CITY — Marine soldiers have recovered 46 loose firearms and several rounds of ammunition in the Bangsamoro region as part of a program to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW).

Brig. Gen. Romulo D. Quemado II, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said the firearms were recently turned over during a ceremony at the People’s Palace in Cotabato City.

The SALW Management Program is part of the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE), a broader initiative aimed at reducing weapons-related violence and promoting socio-economic development in the region.

Among the recovered firearms were rifles, pistols, and grenade launchers. Ammunition for various calibers was also seized.

Over at Sultan Kudarat, three members of the New People’s Army surrendered to the 37th Infantry Battalion. The former rebels, identified as aliases Asay, Star, Jabbar, Tamyon and Jen, turned over an M16 rifle and two M1 Garand rifles.