SAGUIARAN, Lanao del Sur (PIA) – Two local officials here demonstrated their full support to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s program against the proliferation of loose firearms by actively participating in the collection of unlicensed firearms from the hands of civilians.
Mayors Aida Gauraki and Cosain Capal of Kapai and Tagoloan II towns, respectively, turned over four high-powered firearms to the 82nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army on Saturday, August 1.
The intensified engagements of Lt.Col. Rafman S. Altre, commanding officer of the Battalion, to the Local Chief Executives of Kapai and Tagoloan II, strengthened their resolved to sustain the campaign on the eradication of loose firearms in their respective municipalities.
Mayor Gauraki expressed her continuous support to the program as she led her town in turning-over one Cal. 50 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with three live ammunitions and one 7.62mm Bolt Action Sniper Rifle to the personnel of 82IB.
In her statement, Gauraki underscored the importance of keeping her town safe from loose firearms.
“Eradicating the culture of violence will pave the way to a more peaceful and more conducive for development municipality,” she said.
On the other hand, Mayor Capal thanked the military for the support extended to his municipality as they saturate the town on information drive against the proliferation of loose firearms.
Capal led his town in turning-over one M16A1 Elisco rifle and one Cal 30 US M1 Carbine with one magazine.
The towns of Kapai and Tagoloan II have been steadfast in supporting the program of the government against loose firearms.
As of this date, the said towns have successfully turned-over a total of eight high-powered loose firearms to 82IB
LtCol. Altre lauded the efforts of the two town chiefs and motivated all municipal mayors under the area of operations of 82IB to be more relentless in putting a stop against the proliferation of loose firearms.
“The efforts of Kapai and Tagoloan II are contributing a lot in our quest for a just and lasting peace in the province. May their initiatives be replicated and be an example to other municipalities,” Altre said. (82nd IB/PA)
