ILIGAN City — Eighteen high-powered firearms were voluntarily handed over to military authorities here on Dec. 15, marking another tangible step forward for peace initiatives in Lanao del Norte.
The surrender was facilitated by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade as part of the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program.
The initiative is designed to curb armed conflict and boost public safety, specifically targeting previously volatile areas like Munai.
Brig. Gen. Ronel R. Manalo emphasized that limiting access to loose firearms is critical to reducing violence in the region.
“Peace becomes achievable when weapons are removed from the equation,” said Manalo.
The SALW program relies on a combination of voluntary surrender, stricter regulation, and law enforcement to foster safer communities. The newly surrendered weapons will undergo documentation before being transferred to the Forward Service Support Unit for proper disposition.
Momentum for the program appears to be growing. Since September 2025, a total of 31 firearms have been voluntarily surrendered, a figure officials believe reflects increased public trust in government-led security efforts.
