Up to 38 loose firearms were surrendered in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BARMM) through the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program.

Among the firearms turned over were rifles, revolvers, pistols, shotguns, and a grenade launcher.

These firearms were from the towns of Pahamuddin, Nabalawag, and Kadayangan.

According to the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), the surrender of firearms was a result of the intensified campaign of the Joint Task Force Central and Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) against loose firearms ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

The 602nd Infantry Brigade lauded the 34th Infantry Battalion for the conduct of information and education campaign about SALW and the support of the aspirants and incumbent government officials of SGA-BARMM in the fight against loose firearms.

“Ang matagumpay na turnover ng mga armas sa ilalim ng SALW management program ay isang manipestasyon ng patuloy na pagtutulungan, koordinasyon, at suporta ng mga LGU sa ating hinahangad na kapayapaan at kaayusan sa mga komunidad. Ito ay mangyayari lamang kung wala ng loose firearms na pwdeng gamitin sa mga krimen at kaguluhan,” 602nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ricky Bunayog, said.

6ID commander, Major General Donald Gumiran, explained that SALW aims to combat the spread of loose guns to ensure peace and order in the communities.

“Ang 6ID at JTF Central ay katuwang ninyo sa pagpapatupad ng makabagong programang ito. Kasama ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at mga local officials ng mga bayan, naway maging magandang simulain ito upang makamit natin ang kapayapaan, seguridad, at kaunlaran sa Central at South-Central Mindanao,” Gumiran said.