For the first time in Caraga region, the member agencies of the Provincial/Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spearheaded the destruction of 220 loose firearms surrendered by the former rebels in a ceremony held here today around 9:00 AM.
PNP Caraga Director POLICE BRIGADIER GENERAL ROMEO M CARAMAT, JR., members of the command group and directorial staff, and chiefs of the national support units attended the activity.
Also graced the event were: Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba of the 2nd District of Agusan del Norte; Governor Dale B. Corvera of Agusan del Norte; Dir. Lilibeth A.
Famacion of the DILG Region XIII; LTC RUEL G. ROMOROSA, Coordinator of the Task Force Balik-Loob Mindanao; PMGEN MARNI C. MARCOS, JR, Acting Director for the Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM); PBGEN HONORIO R. AGNILA, Executive Officer of the DIPO-EM; and PBGEN MAURITO L LICUDINE, Commander of the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade, Philippine Army; and other heads of the partner agencies.
Demilitarized firearms include 29 pcs. of M16 rifles; 14 pcs. of M14 rifles; 27 pcs. of AK47 rifles; 15 pcs. of Garand rifles; 50 pcs. of Shotgun; eight pcs. of caliber 22 rifles; seven crew-serve weapons; 49 short firearms; and six sub-machine guns. These were all cut-off using a metal circular saw.
Former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) under the Guerilla Fronts operating in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte turned-in the firearms to the authorities.
The giving of financial assistance, healthcare and housing package benefits to those who returned to the folds of the law also highlighted the event under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
“It is a fresh start for them as they rebuild their lives amidst this time of COVID-19 pandemic. It is my hope that the beneficiaries will honor their commitment and pledge of allegiance to the government,” RD CARAMAT, JR. stressed out.
He is also optimistic that the activity will serve as inspiration for the remaining members of the NPA to lay down arms and embrace genuine peace.
Based on the joint DND-DILG memorandum circular, all turned-in firearms by the former rebels shall undergo the complete process of demilitarization consistent with internationally accepted standards and proper auditing procedures to ensure that these weapons will not be used, recycled or reissued.
(PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, PNP PRO13 RPIO)
