Philippines Boosts Peacebuilding Through Gun Surrender and Livelihood Packages

COTABATO CITY – Civilians have surrendered at least 79 loose firearms in Maguindanao del Sur in exchange for livelihood and agricultural assistance, military officials said. Lt. Colonel Aeron Gumabao, commanding officer of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB), said they presented on Monday the surrender of the unlicensed firearms, which include two mortar tubes. The surrendered firearms was a result of intensified crackdown against the proliferation of loose guns in the area, he said. So far, the total number of loose firearms surrendered in South Upi town rose to 170 since January this year, according to him. Gumabao said the guns were given up by the owners with the help of the local government unit, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). The firearms were turned over during a formal ceremony held on Monday at the South Upi Municipal Gymnasium. Gumabao said the surrender was a reflection of the broad support for the municipality’s continuing efforts to reduce the proliferation of loose firearms and strengthen peace and security in the area and neighboring towns. The laying down of firearms was part of the campaign on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), which is being implemented in close coordination with the local government, the PNP, OPAPRU, and community stakeholders. The SALW program utilizes a proactive, incentive-based framework designed to address the socio-economic roots of armed conflicts. In immediate exchange for turning over their unlicensed weapons, the SALW beneficiaries received comprehensive socio-economic and agricultural assistance packages. The transition packages distributed at the event included livestock such as cows and goats to establish farming assets, high-yield corn seeds, fertilizers, and sacks of rice to support households during their economic transition. Speaking during the program, Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, emphasized that by replacing tools of violence with sustainable agricultural foundations, the program provides “a holistic blueprint for reducing armed violence, fostering community reconciliation, and accelerating long-term economic development across Mindanao.” “This event underscores a strengthened multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration dedicated to maintaining hard-won stability and sustainable security in conflict-affected communities,” Santos said. Gumabao stressed the surrender of firearms “demonstrates the growing confidence of local communities in government-led peace initiatives and their willingness to contribute to a safer and more secure environment.” Citing data from the South Upi Municipal Peace and Order Council, Gumabao pointed out that the locality recorded zero violent incidents and zero shooting incidents, reflecting the positive impact of sustained community engagement and interagency cooperation. The 57IB remains committed to working alongside local stakeholders to sustain these gains, strengthen peacebuilding efforts, and create conditions that support long-term stability and development throughout the municipality, he said. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo