Warring clans yielded more than a hundred loose firearms to security
and local government officials in Lanao del Sur.
Through the combined efforts of the Joint Task Force Central and the
local government units, the Oplan “Reaper” that was launched since July 1, 2017
yielded to the surrender of a total of 132 high-powered and low-powered
firearms by warring families in the coastal municipalities of Kapatagan,
Balabagan, Malabang, Picong and Marogong, all in Lanao del Sur.
“The Oplan ‘Reaper’ was launched by the troops of the 6th Infantry
Battalion, in alignment with the Development Support and Security Plan
Kapayapaan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Ranao Ragat
Inter-Agency Task Force, to conduct RIDO settlement among warring families in
the province,” said Major General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Joint Task
Force Central.
Through the series of negotiations and dialogues with local officials
and other stakeholders, warring clans surrendered 103 high-powered and 29
low-powered firearms.
Of the 132, 13 firearms were surrendered by the clans in Kapatagan, 30
in Balabagan, 40 in Malabang, 19 in Picong, and 30 in Marogong.
Further surrendered to the government forces were 18 magazines, seven
clips for Garand rifle, and 63 rounds of ammunition.
Said firearms and war materiel were turned over to the local government
units of the five coastal municipalities in Lanao del Sur.
They are currently in the custody of the 6IB troops.
“The Oplan ‘Reaper’ will continue to be implemented as an initiative of
the armed forces to assist local government units in keeping the peace and
order in the province amid the crisis in Marawi City and the implementation of
Martial Law in the whole of Mindanao, especially now that we are seeing its
efficiency,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the
Western Mindanao Command.
“In the long run, we expect to achieve more as we receive more support
from the different organizations and the people of Mindanao.”
“We would like to recognize the combined efforts of the 6IB and the
local government units within their area of operations for this successful
endeavor,” added LtGen Galvez.
Meanwhile, a high-powered firearm, ammunition, and war materiel of the
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were seized in a clearing operation of the
military in Maguindanao yesterday.
In his report to the WestMinCom, Major General Arnel Dela vega, the
Joint Task Force Central Commander, said that elements of the 2nd Mechanized
Infantry Battalion and the 33rd Infantry Battalion, on combat clearing
operation, seized an M14 rifle, magazines, 7.62mm live ammo, an ICOM radio, a
pistol holster, COMELEC and MNLF identification cards, a charger, sets of
Battle Dress Attire, and a plastic PVC pipe in Barangay Montay, Datu Piang,
Maguindanao, at 7:40am last October 2.
Operating troops brought the recovered items to the headquarters of the
2nd Mechanized Battalion for proper disposition.
“I commend the efforts of our troops of the Joint Task Force Central
for the recent accomplishment,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr.,
commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“Rest assured that the Armed Forces will not stop until Mindanao is
freed from the present adversities,” added LtGen Galvez, Jr.
