Local execs yield loose guns to Sultan Kudarat police

By Edwin Fernandez | Philippine News Agency

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, March 5 -- Armed local officials in conflict-affected town of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat have voluntarily surrendered 28 unlicensed guns to the police here Sunday. 

Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the firearms belonged to officials of eight villages of Palimbang, a coastal town in Sultan Kudarat. 

They turned over assorted firearms that included M16 Armalite rifle with M-203 rifle grenade launchers, M16 assault rifles, cal. 30 caliber M1 Garand rifles, and shotguns. 

The firearms were surrendered by officials of Barangays Namat, Kisek, Kidayan, Maganao, Malatunol, Akol, Lebua and Butril where residents were locked in clan war, more known among Muslims as “rido.” 

Acting Vice Mayor, incumbent No. 1 Councilor Amil Pangansayan, helped the local police in convincing gun owners to peacefully surrender their weapons and help in the campaign against loose firearms. 

The elected mayor and vice mayor of Palimbang have abandoned their posts after joint elements of police and military personnel raided their homes for gun possession and illegal drugs. They remained at large since last year. 

Supiter lauded the efforts of Vice Mayor Pangansayan and urged other local executives in Sultan Kudarat’s 10 towns to help in the disarmament campaign of the government. (PNA)