As the units under the command and control of the Western Mindanao Command continue to support the government’s campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms, several firearms and ammunition were handed over to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 at the 212th Marine Company headquarters in Brgy. Bato-Bato, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi on Saturday, December 19, 2020.
The ceremonial turnover of the said firearms was facilitated by MBLT Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Henry Espinosa and Panglima Sugala Mayor Nurbert Sahali.
Col. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commended the marine troops of MBLT12 for their persistence to push the government’s program to address loose firearms in the countryside which is among the causes of conflict.
“This endeavor exemplifies the good convergence of our troops and the local chief executives of Panglima Sugala,” said Col. Rojas.
Handed over to the military were 15 long firearms, 26 short firearms, two m79, two m203 tubes, two magazines, and 15 ammunition.
“May this gesture of support by the local government of Panglima Sugala be a good example to other officials and communities,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.
“Let us continue to work together to free the communities from loose firearms which we call the menacing tools of violence,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.
The firearms and ammunition were placed under the custody of MBLT12 for documentation.
(Source: Western Mindanao Command Facebook Page)