THE Armed Forces has “demilitarized” or destroyed hundreds of assorted firearms, many of them previously owned by members of threat groups or surrendered by civilians in western Mindanao.
Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, acting commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), led officials in the destruction of 436 firearms in rites at Camp Arturo Enrile in Zamboanga City last Tuesday.
The captured, confiscated, surrendered and recovered firearms were cut and burned to ensure that parts cannot be re-used or recycled.
“The Western Mindanao Command, through all of its Joint Task Forces firmly aspires for peace and progress,” Rojas said during the ceremony graced by other military, police and local government officials.
Westmincom is leading the fight against various security threats in Western Mindanao, including the Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the New People’s Army.
Wesmincom spokesman Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan said the destroyed firearms were formerly owned by members of these groups or civilians.
“Our military operations against the different threat groups and our campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms, in collaboration with other local government agencies, will continue and be more vigorous,” said Roxas.
The firearms were destroyed by personnel of the 9th Forward Service Support Unit, under Lt. Col. Joey Caperig.
“This demilitarization of firearms is an attestation of the Philippine Army’s commitment to the AFP’s mission to maintain peace and order and protect the citizens against violence and extremism,” said Rojas.
