ZAMBOANGA CITY — Residents of a Maguindanao del Sur town surrendered 43 illegal firearms to the military as part of a government program to manage small arms and light weapons.

The weapons were turned over in South Upi to Lt. Col. Aeron T. Gumabao, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion. The initiative was coordinated through the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict.

The cache included a variety of high-powered and improvised weapons, such as M16, M203, M14, and .50-caliber rifles. Also surrendered were M1 Carbines, Garand rifles, .45-caliber pistols, .38-caliber revolvers, an Uzi submachine gun, M79 grenade launchers, and various shotguns.

The firearms were formally presented to Brig. Gen. Michael A. Santos, commander of the 603rd Brigade, alongside South Upi Mayor Helen A. Padua and representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

Santos said the surrender of these weapons proves the community’s growing trust in the government.

“This step reflects the unity of our people and the government in promoting peace,” Santos said.