Town exec in Lanao Norte leads turnover rites of 28 loose firearms

Iligan City—A total of 28 assorted firearms  were turned over last week by the local government of Maigo, Lanao del Norte, raising to 850 loose firearms the military in the province has collected 14 months into the 2nd Mechanized Brigade's campaign.

Maigo town's chief executive Rafael Rizalda led the turn over of the firearms at the Barangay Poblacion function hall.

^{Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Oregon, 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commander (right), receives firearms from Mayor Rafael Rizalda (center) while Maj. Gen Roberto Ancan, 1st ID chief (left) looks on during the turnover ceremo}ny.

^{First ID chief Mgen Roberto Ancan encourages residents to turn over loose firearms during the turnover rites. Also in the photo (from right) are Dr. Macabangkit Ati of MSU-MSAT, newly elected mayor Ima Miraflores, and incumbent Mayor Rizalda.}

Brigadier General Ezra James Enriquez said that of the 850 assorted loose firearms, nearly half or 404 are categorized as high-powered.

Last week's turnover was the 33rd since the campaign against loose firearms in the province began. Maigo is the operational area of 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col Rolando Orengo.

^{Mayor Rizalda (left) receives plaque of appreciation from BGen Ezra James Enriquez (center), while 5th IB Commander Oregon (right) looks on.}

The turnover ceremony was also attended by Major Gen. Roberto Ancan of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

Brig. Gen Enriquez thanked the the local government unit of Maigo for its commitment to peace, and for exerting extra effort to facilitate the turnover.

He also encouraged those who still possess loose firearms to lay down their guns to local chief executives or to the nearest military headquarter in their area. —LBG, GMA News