Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – September 13, 2021
Seven loose firearms were turned over by the local government unit of Sitangkai to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 on September 10, 2021. Said firearms were subsequently presented by Sitangkai Municipal Administrator Hji. Julpin Sajili to Colonel Romeo Racadio, Commander of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi in a simple ceremony held at the MBLT-12 headquarters.
According to Col. Racadio, this is a result of the intensified campaign against loose firearms under the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition (RA 10591) and Small Arms & Light Weapons (SALW) Program. “This accomplishment manifests the trust and confidence of the people of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi to the government agencies as they feel secured living in their communities,” the commander stated.
Surrendered firearms include two M1 Garand rifles, two Garand Spring Fields, one M16A1 rifle, and two Carbines. These were turned over by the residents of Sitangkai.
“MBLT-12 will continue to support other Law Enforcement Agencies and continue to conduct dialogue/lateral coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and other sectors to intensify the Campaign Against Loose Firearms and Ammunitions,” said Lt. Col. Charlie Caña, Battalion Commander of MBLT-12.
Since January 2021, a total of 66 were handed over to the military in Tawi-Tawi, 45 of which are high-powered and 21 are low-powered.
“We continue to encourage owners to surrender their undocumented firearms to avoid being penalized,” said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Acting Commander of Western Mindanao Command. “This is our big move to address the root cause of criminalities in our area of operation”.
