TARAKA, Lanao del Sur — Authorities received 108 loose firearms from four municipalities in Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to regulate weaponry in the region. The turnover, held at the town gymnasium in Taraka, was facilitated through the Modest and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, managed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the OPAPRU led the ceremony, accepting a diverse array of surrendered weapons including sniper and assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, heavy and light machine guns, and pistols. The event included participation from the municipalities of Mulondo, Tamparan, Lumba Bayabao, and Taraka.
Did You Know?
The SALW program is part of a broader, ongoing initiative to reduce and regulate loose firearms across the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with 588 firearms surrendered to the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade as of May 19.
Linking Security to Economic Growth
Brig. Gen. Billy O. Dela Rosa, commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade, noted that the surrender of these weapons is closely tied to the resolution of ridó, or community-based conflict. Beyond the physical collection of arms, officials are prioritizing dialogue with local government units, traditional and religious leaders, and various stakeholders to address the root causes of regional instability.
Secretary Sarmiento emphasized a vision of sustainable peace as a prerequisite for development, pointing to the historical recovery of Vietnam following the end of its conflict on April 30, 1975. “Let us end internal conflict and let us help in the development because hunger can’t be solved by war, nor by politics. It can be solved only by the economy,” Sarmiento stated.
Expert Insight:
The strategic shift from strictly military operations to a model that emphasizes economic stability—exemplified by local investments in rice mills and irrigation—suggests that authorities view the pacification of the region as a necessary foundation for agricultural and economic growth.
Local leaders are already implementing measures to support this transition. Taraka Mayor Nashiba Gandamra-Sumagayan highlighted that her municipality is focusing on the agricultural sector, purchasing farmers’ produce at reasonable prices and utilizing state-of-the-art rice mills and solar-powered irrigation to foster economic resilience.
Future Outlook
As the SALW program continues, it is likely that additional municipalities in Lanao del Sur will join the initiative to facilitate further voluntary surrenders of undocumented firearms. The continued success of this program may depend on whether the government can maintain the current pace of conflict resolution, potentially leading to a broader reduction in regional violence as more communities transition toward economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the SALW Management Program?
The program is aimed at reducing and regulating loose firearms within the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
How many firearms have been surrendered to the 103rd Infantry Brigade so far?
As of May 19, a total of 588 loose firearms have been turned over to the brigade, which holds jurisdiction over Lanao del Sur.
What is the connection between the SALW program and local conflicts?
The reduction of loose firearms is designed to run parallel to the settlement of ridó, or community-based conflict, by addressing the root causes of instability through dialogue and partnerships.
How do you believe sustainable local economic development influences the long-term success of peace initiatives in your community?
