Reds, militants supporters surrender loose guns

SARANGANI, Philippines — Supporters of New People’s Army rebels and Dawlah Islamiya members in Maitum town surrendered 97 loose firearms in the past three months.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy of the 6th  Infantry Division said the firearms were turned over by its owners through the intercession of personnel of the  38th Infantry Battalion and officials of the 603rd Infantry Brigade.

The arms cache include shotguns, vintage rifles, M-79 grenade launchers and pistols.

“We are grateful to the owners of the 97 firearms for turning them in to show their support for the government’s disarmament program,” Uy, who is also Joint Task Force Central commander, said.