SEIZED FIREARMS. A police and military team manning a checkpoint in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, confiscates several firearms and ammunition from six men on board a pick-up truck Tuesday afternoon (May 10, 2022). All suspects were charged with the violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, and the election gun ban. (Photo courtesy of Lanao del Norte PPO) ILIGAN CITY - Government security forces manning a checkpoint in the Lanao del Sur town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) intercepted a pickup truck loaded with firearms and ammunition, police said Wednesday. Maj. Moamar Solog, SND police chief, said police and Army personnel saw inside the flagged down Toyota Hi-lux pickup what appeared as firearms wrapped in sacks. Solog said the vehicle bore the logo of the "Municipality of Midsalip," indicating that it is owned by the local government unit of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur. Upon checking, authorities discovered four M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, an impr
PEACE PACT. Representatives of various groups and local election candidates let loose doves to symbolize peace during the signing of a covenant for honest and peaceful elections at Camp Salipada Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao on Thursday (Feb. 24, 2022). The signatories pledged to cooperate to ensure the May 9 polls will be orderly. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-BAR) PARANG, Maguindanao - The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) on Friday urged local government officials and candidates in the May 9 polls to support the disarmament program of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, PRO-BAR director, issued the appeal after municipal government officials in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, facilitated the surrender of 11 assorted high-powered firearms. Cabalona said 10 civilians turned in four Garand rifles, one M-14 rifle, two M-16 Armalite rifles, three .45-caliber pistols, and one 9-millimeter pistol on February 22. All surrendered
TIRED COMBATANTS. Local police and military officials pose with 12 of the 13 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who surrendered to the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato on Monday (Feb. 14, 2022). On the same day, a 14th BIFF member (inset) handed over his rifle to Mayor Ramil Dilangalen of neighboring Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao during surrender rites also inside the 34IB base. (Photo courtesy of 34IB) MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato - Tired of fighting for a futile cause, 14 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yielded to the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) here, officials reported Tuesday. Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., 34IB commander, said the BIFF members surrendered to his unit in two batches on Monday. Vilchez said a BIFF field commander under the Kagui Karialan faction, identified as alias Malayo, was among those who surrendered along with his 12 followers and were accompanied by Norodin Akis
SURRENDER. Kalamansig Mayor Rolando Garcia (in blue shirt) receives a rifle from one of the six New People's Army rebels who voluntarily surrendered with their firearms during ceremonies held at the municipal government center of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday (Oct. 17, 20231). Looking on are military commanders Lt. Col Allen Van L Estrera of the 37th Infantry Battalion (2nd from right) and Colonel Eduardo B. Gubat (right), the 603rd Brigade commander. (Photo courtesy of 6ID) CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - The military's two-pronged approach in dealing with communist combatants in the mountains of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat has turned out to be effective, an Army officer here said Monday. "The two-pronged approach is a continuous military pressure against rebels, and at the same time highlighting the government's offer for them to rejoin the mainstream society peacefully," Lt. Col Allen Van L. Estrera, Army's 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB) commander, told r