By Edwin Fernandez

LOOSE FIREARMS. Mamasapano Mayor Butch Ampatuan and Army brigade commander Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu (2nd and 3rd from left) lead the inspection of assorted high-powered firearms surrendered on Thursday (March 26, 2026). A total of 17 firearms were turned over by civilians and warring Moro families to show their desire to end violence in Maguindanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 601st Bde)

COTABATO CITY – Seventeen high-powered war materials, including two 60mm mortar tubes and sniper rifles, were surrendered by civilians to the military in Maguindanao del Sur, a report from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) here said Friday.

“The firearms were presented to Brig Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur,” the 6ID said.

Some of the guns were owned by Moro clans in Mamasapano who have been locked in a long-standing family feud, locally known as rido.

“These gun owners have settled amicably with the help of the military,” the 6ID statement added.

The firearms were surrendered to Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinay, commander of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion, and Lt. Col. Erwin Felongco, commander of the 38th Infantry Battalion on Thursday afternoon.

Mamasapano Mayor Butch Ampatuan praised the civilians’ efforts to participate in the government’s disarmament programs.

He urged other families in the town with illegal firearms to follow suit. (PNA)