ZAMBOANGA CITY — Soldiers of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division in central Mindanao raked anew five high-powered firearms after they launched a clearing operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

 Lt. Col. Robert T. Betita, Battalion Commander of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, said yesterday a clearing operation was conducted in the barangays of Sibuto, Ambolodto, Kinebaka, Nekitan, Bongued, Kakar and Bugawas in the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat on Sunday.

Betita said some residents voluntarily surrendered their weapons in response to the call for peace and joined the military in ensuring a peaceful national and local elections on Monday, 12 May.

 Among the firearms surrendered to the military were a Carbine, 5.56mm Bushmaster; a Mortar, 60mm; two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launchers; a Shotgun, 12-gauge, and a Submachine Gun, 9mm Uzi.

 Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Unifier Brigade, expressed his sincere gratitude to the residents who decided to surrender their weapons.

 “The voluntary surrender of high-powered firearms is a clear indication of the trust of our countrymen in the government’s ability to protect and safeguard their security. There is no need to resort to violence — the military is here to serve as the people’s bulwark for peace,” Catu said.

 For his part, Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (ID) and Joint Task Force (JTF) Central, reiterated his call to the residents who still hold weapons to join the ongoing campaign for peace. 

“Every piece of military equipment that is under our custody is equivalent to a life saved, especially of innocent civilians,” he said.