NATION
Isabela barangays turn over loose firearms
The surrender of loose firearms was through the SALW management program complemented by the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security program.
ISABELA CITY, Basilan Province — The 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade on Friday disclosed that at least 20 high-powered firearms were turned over to the military by various barangays here as part of the intensive campaign Small Arms and Light Weapons management program of the provincial government.
101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon revealed that a formal turnover of firearms was held at the 19th Special Forces “Magnitude” Company at Barangay Tabuk, Isabela City, Basilan Province on Thursday.
Luzon said that among the surrendered firearms include a Crew-Served Weapon, an FN Minimi 5.56mm light machine gun and other assault high-powered firearms.
The surrender of loose firearms was through the SALW management program complemented by the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security program.
During the program, Lt. Col. Bernard P. Samin, Commanding Officer, 4th Special Forces Battalion presented the firearms, followed by a formal turnover by the concerned Barangay officials led by Peter Eisma, Isabela City Administrator to Brig. Luzon and Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman.
Eisma, who represented Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, commended the efforts of the village government officials for their support.
Luzon, meantime, stressed that the city is persistent in its efforts to sustain the peace process in the city and for the entire province of Basilan.
“SALW is not only a way to surrender firearms but also teaching the people to become law-abiding citizens and responsible owners of firearms,” Luzon said.
He also extended his appreciation and congratulations on the continuous support of the local chief executives and the provincial government of Basilan for the successful implementation of the SALW and the ASPIRE programs.
“It is just a little more than five months, and I have seen how this program significantly enhanced the peace process in Basilan, and with that, I congratulate the barangay captains and the local government of Isabela City and the 4th Special Forces Battalion for this accomplishment,” Luzon said.