World · Philippines Bureau
Maguindanao town residents surrender 44 unlicensed firearms to military
Local officials and residents in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, have voluntarily handed over 44 loose firearms to military authorities as part of efforts to reduce gun violence and promote community safety.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — Residents and local government officials in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, surrendered 44 unlicensed firearms to the military during a turnover program Monday, marking progress in the region's campaign against loose weapons.
The voluntary surrender involved participants from 25 of the municipality's 34 villages, demonstrating widespread community support for the disarmament initiative. The assorted firearms were presented to military authorities during a formal handover ceremony.
The turnover is part of broader efforts by local officials to reduce the circulation of illegal weapons and establish more peaceful communities across the municipality. Authorities have made similar drives a priority in Maguindanao del Norte as part of larger regional peace-building initiatives.
The military has not released additional details on the types of firearms collected or the identities of those who surrendered them. Officials indicated that the campaign to reduce loose firearms in the area will continue.