658 loose guns seized in Mindanao
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —The military has recovered 658 loose firearms in Mindanao since January.
As of March 12, a total of 248 guns had been seized in Sulu, 159 in Central Mindanao, 221 in Zamboanga City and 30 in other parts of Zamboanga peninsula, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said yesterday.
“In line with the implementation of martial law and in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, we have intensified security operations against all threat groups and terrorists while supporting law enforcement operations against lawlessness, illegal drugs and proliferation of illegally possessed firearms,” Galvez said.
He said among those recently recovered were 25 guns turned over by Mayor Zam Ampatuan of Radjah Buayan town in Maguindanao.
The surrendered guns were under the Joint Task Force Central’s “balik-baril” program.
Mayor Ramdatu Angas of Sultan sa Barongis led the ceremonial turnover of 20 guns to the First Mechanized Infantry Brigade on Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said they are waiting for the turnover of 60 other guns from residents of Parang, Sulu this week.
Last week, 187 loose guns were recovered from seven towns in Sulu. – Jaime Laude
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