Maguindanao barangay officials turn over two dozen loose firearms to military

June 21, 2018

Newly-elected barangay officials in Maguindanao turned over two dozen loose firearms to the military s last Tuesday, a military spokesman said Thursday.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, public affairs chief of the 6th Infantry Division, said a total of 24 firearms were surrendered by  leaders of Datu Blah Sinsuat town of Maguindanao to government forces during the mass oath taking of the newly-elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials  at the town’s municipal covered court.

Encinas said the firearms were owned not only by barangay officials but their constituents from a total of 13 barangays in the municipality.

“The event was graced by Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, Joint Task Force Central Commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, 1st Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Melquiades V. Ordiales Jr.,” he said.

“Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Raida Tomawis Sinsuat handed over the firearms through Governor Mangudadatu to Brig. Gen. Sobejana and Brig. Gen. Ordiales in the ceremonial turn-over,” he added.

Encinas said Sobejana thanked leaders of Datu Blah Sinsuat for helping in the government’s firearms reduction program for this will contribute to the safety of everyone as martial law is in effect in Mindanao.

“He (Sobejana) said that there are bigger responsibilities for the newly-elected barangay and SK officials with their constituents since monitoring of loose firearms is the responsibility of every barangay leader,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS