Lanao del Norte town turns over 30 high-powered firearms to military

MUNAI, Lanao del Norte – At least 30 loose, high-powered firearms were turned over by the municipal government to the military, the first among the province's 22 towns, after President Rodrigo Duterte called for a heightened drive against loose guns.

Munai Mayor Cassan Maquiling led the turnover rites at the municipal hall on Friday.

_{Photos by M. Revales}

^{Military officials with Mayor Cassaan Maquiling after the turnover ceremony.}

^{Chairperson turns over firearm to the military.}

Maquiling said that the effort made by the chairpersons of Munai is laudable given the difficulty in convincing Maranao men to surrender their guns,  which they consider as their "wives."

"I am grateful for the positive response of our townsfolk to the call of the President to rid the province of loose firearms," said Maquiling.

According to him, their town experienced three wars in the past, including the government's all-out-war in 2004 and in 2008, adding that  it is common knowledge that one of the camps of Moro Islamic Liberation Front  (MILF) is in Munai.

Major General Roseller Murillo, Joint Task Force Zampelan and the Commander of the First Infantry Division, said that he is grateful for the initiative of all the stakeholders of Munai for the initial success of the project.

He said that last March 14 there was a turnover of 43 loose firearms in Piagapo. In Jolo, Sulu there were 700,  with nine 50 calibers and five mortars being collected.

In Zamboanga City and Maguindanao, he added, 103 and 300 loose firearms have been turned over respectively.

Moreover, he said that based on records, there are some 20,000 loose firearms in Lanao del Sur and the military recovered only 1,000 units during the Marawi siege, and another 500 collected (being turned over). Some 17,000 units have yet to be recovered.

Colonel Roberto Dauz, Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, said that he is happy of the turnover of the 30 firearms, calling it a big accomplishment.

For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Ronel Manalo, commanding officer of the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion said that the turnover only shows their unit has maintained a good relationship with Munai citizens and its leaders. —LBG, GMA News