ZAMBOANGA CITY — The local government of Matanog in Maguindanao del Norte province surrendered 12 assorted high-powered firearms and ammunition to the security forces in the province as part of their contribution to rid their town of loose firearms.

Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT-2) Commander Lt. Col. John de la Cruz reported yesterday Matanog Mayor Zohria S. Bansil-Guro and his village chiefs turned over 12 loose firearms and ammunition to the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (MDN-PPO) on Saturday.

Dela Cruz said the turnover of the loose firearms was held at the Women’s Training Center, Matanog Municipal Hall, Maguindanao del Norte.

Among the firearms surrendered were a 7.62mm Rifle; a 5.56mm Rifle Model M&P-15; five Cal. 45; two Cal. 38 Pistol; one KG9 9mm; one Shotgun; one M79 40mm GL; magazines and ammunition.

According to Dela Cruz, the LGU of Matanog is fully supporting the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program (SALW) of the military and the police to combat the spread of loose firearms in their area.

P/Col. Eleuterio Ricardo Jr., the Provincial Director of Maguindanao del Norte, and Dela Cruz lauded Bansil-Guro for supporting SALW.

Joint Task Force-Central Commander Brig. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran congratulated the positive response of the local government and residents in the dismantling of loose firearms.

“The purpose of the SALW Management Program is to ensure security and peace in our communities. The continued surrender of loose firearms is proof of the cooperation of local officials and citizens for a safer Matanog town."