Maguindanao police and local officials inspect rifles surrendered by residents during a turnover program in Datu Odin Sinsuat. Photo courtesy of Datu Odin Sinsuat-LGU.
Local police in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte received a batch of firearms surrendered by residents on Tuesday as part of government efforts to curb loose weapons.
The firearms were collected from several villages, including Baka, Taviran, Badak, Linek, Mompong, Sapalan, Niketan, Labungan, Tinonggos, Tambak, Dulangan, Kusiong, Kakar, Benolen, Capiton, and Tamontaka.
Mayor Abdulmain Abas said village officials coordinated with residents to turn over unlicensed guns under the municipality’s peace and order program.
He added that the turnover ceremony was held at the municipal covered court and highlighted the community’s cooperation in supporting law enforcement.
This batch marked the second collection of surrendered firearms this year under the police’s “Balik Baril” initiative.
Earlier in January, village captains turned in a mix of improvised sniper rifles, homemade grenade launchers, sub-machine guns, revolvers, and explosive rounds.
Authorities said the firearms were transferred to the Regional Forensic Unit–Bangsamoro, while explosive rounds were placed under the care of the Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit in Maguindanao.
Police and local officials said the program seeks to enhance public safety and reduce the circulation of illegal weapons across the province.
