Army, UNDP destroy firearms recovered in Maguindanao provinces

COTABATO CITY — Military officials and representatives of an international organization destroyed small arms and light weapons inside an Army camp in Maguindanao del Norte on Friday, June 19.

Held at Camp Siongco, the ceremonial destruction was carried out by the 6th ID Headquarters through the cutting of selected firearms from 685 voluntarily surrendered Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) collected from various communities in Maguindanao del Norte since last year.

“The ceremonial destruction of these firearms is more than the dismantling of weapons; it is a powerful affirmation of our people’s commitment to peace,” Major Gen. Vladimir Cagara, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, who led the event, told reporters.

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“Every firearm turned in and destroyed represents a life potentially saved, a conflict prevented, and a community given a greater opportunity to prosper,” he added.

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The destruction was in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in the Bangsamoro (ASPIRE) Project.

The event underscored the continued implementation of the SALW Management Program under the UNDP-led ASPIRE Project, which aims to prevent the proliferation of loose firearms, reduce armed violence, and advance lasting peace and security in the Bangsamoro region.

Joining Caraga were local government officials, representatives from peacebuilding institutions, law enforcement agencies, and development partners, including Datu Sharif Diocolano, municipal mayor of Kabuntalan; Ma. Rona Cristina Piang Flores, municipal mayor of Upi; Atty. John Rangal Nadua, legal officer in Maguindanao del Norte; Director Anna Pacete of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and Ronnie Arap Jr., ASPIRE project specialist of UNDP. /apl

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