TARAKA, Lanao del Sur— Four municipalities in Lanao del Sur voluntarily surrendered 108 loose firearms on May 19 under the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, giving a major boost to peace and security initiatives in the Bangsamoro region.

The municipalities of Taraka, Tamparan, Lumba Bayabao, and Mulondo handed over a mix of high-powered and low-powered firearms during a joint ceremony. 

The event drew national and local government officials, security forces, barangay leaders, and religious representatives.

The 108 firearms came from the following municipalities: Tamparan, 39 firearms; Taraka, 38; Lumba Bayabao, 16 and Mulondo, 15.

Aligning with the Peace Process

The SALW Management Program is a core component of the Normalization Track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. It directly supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on unlicensed firearms in former conflict-affected areas.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento stressed that inclusion and collaboration are vital to sustaining progress in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).

"By working with all the stakeholders, by creating shared value, we are ensuring that nobody will be excluded in our journey to achieve positive peace," Sarmiento said.

Brig. Gen. Billy dela Rosa, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, praised the local communities for choosing the rule of law over violence.

"The voluntary turnover... reflects the growing commitment of our people to reject violence, uphold the rule of law, and actively support peace and security initiatives in the province of Lanao del Sur," dela Rosa noted.

A focused, perspective shot taken down a table laden with surrendered sniper rifles, shotguns, and long-range weapons in Taraka.
NIPER RIFLES YIELDED. A close-up view of the primary weapons table reveals a significant yield of sniper rifles, modified shotguns, and other high-powered firearms surrendered by four Lanao del Sur municipalities. The initiative, part of the Bangsamoro SALW Management Program, target the collection of specialized loose firearms that have historically fueled localized conflict and clan feuds across the region. Photo by Bonita L. Ermac

Local Leaders Rally for Progress

Local chief executives voiced strong support for the program, emphasizing that community development hinges entirely on stability.

Taraka Mayor Nashiba Gandamra-Sumagayan called the turnover a meaningful step toward community healing: *"Every firearm surrendered represents a step away from fear and toward safer communities."

Tamparan Mayor Mohammad Juhar D. Disomimba highlighted the power of ongoing dialogue and community participation.

Lumba Bayabao Mayor Mahar P. Dagalangit reminded stakeholders that economic development cannot prosper without basic peace.

Beyond reducing loose weapons, authorities noted that the SALW program helps resolve *rido* (clan feuds) by fostering structured dialogue among local leaders.

Moving forward, the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police will conduct joint assessments to track the program's long-term effectiveness in reducing armed violence across Lanao del Sur.