LOCAL GOVERNMENT officials turned over 19 high-powered firearms to the military’s 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion at Munai Municipal Hall in Lanao del Norte last Friday as part of peace and security efforts in the province. Lt. Col. Bernardo A. Taqueban, battalion commander, said the handover was a result of intensified collaboration between local government units, security forces, and other stakeholders. The surrendered weapons include one caliber 50 Barrett, one M14 sniper, eleven M16A1, two Carbine, and four grand rifles with magazines and ammunition. “We encourage not only the local government units but also other stakeholders, especially the people of Lanao del Norte, to trust and support our campaign against loose firearms for us to attain a peaceful and secured province towards its faster development,” Col. Facundo O. Palafox, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander, said in a statement from the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom). For his part, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander, said good governance is crucial to the “peace machinery.” “So, we implore the commitment of local government units, especially in conflict-affected areas, to take the lead in advancing our peaceful mechanisms for our inclusive security and development campaign in Mindanao,” he added.

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