COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Local officials in Maguindanao del Sur have turned over loose firearms voluntarily surrendered by their constituents, adding momentum to the government’s continuing campaign to remove unlicensed weapons from communities and prevent election-related violence ahead of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.
According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, officials from several municipalities collected firearms voluntarily yielded by residents before formally presenting and turning them over to military authorities.
The latest turnover involved local leaders including Ampatuan Mayor Rasul Sangki, Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Ampatuan, and Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Allandatu Angas Sr., who participated in the effort alongside military officials led by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
Loose Firearms Remain a Major Security Concern
The latest weapons turnover is part of a broader campaign against loose firearms across Maguindanao del Sur, where authorities have repeatedly called on civilians, local leaders, and armed groups to voluntarily surrender unauthorized weapons.
The campaign has intensified as the Bangsamoro region prepares for the September 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, with security forces seeking to reduce the number of firearms that could potentially be used in violence and other illegal activities. Previous reports have also linked the region-wide disarmament effort to preparations for the historic polls.
Maguindanao del Sur has seen several major firearms surrender initiatives throughout 2026.
In July, six former violent extremists and civilians surrendered a total of 24 loose firearms, including high-powered weapons, as authorities stepped up security operations in the province.
Earlier, residents in South Upi voluntarily surrendered 43 assorted unlicensed firearms, including weapons classified as high-powered firearms. Military officials described the increasing number of voluntary surrenders as an indication of growing cooperation between communities and government authorities.
A Growing Pattern of Voluntary Surrenders
The latest turnover is not an isolated development.
In March, civilians and members of previously feuding Moro families in Mamasapano surrendered 17 firearms, including mortar tubes and sniper rifles, after local peace-building and reconciliation efforts.
In April, local officials and civilians in Datu Paglas turned over another 12 firearms to the military as part of the continuing campaign against loose weapons.
Meanwhile, in June, 14 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered and turned over 39 loose firearms, including two 60mm mortar tubes, according to an earlier Inquirer report.
The National Bureau of Investigation has also been involved in efforts to facilitate peaceful surrenders in Maguindanao del Sur. In March, the NBI announced that it had facilitated the surrender of individuals linked to armed extremist groups, who also turned over several high-powered weapons.
Government Pushes Communities to Support Peace Efforts
Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that the voluntary surrender of firearms is crucial to long-term peace and security in Maguindanao del Sur.
The campaign forms part of broader government efforts involving local governments, the military, police, and peace agencies to control the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, particularly in communities with a history of armed conflict and clan feuds.
The province has already seen hundreds of surrendered firearms removed from circulation. In November 2025, authorities destroyed 271 surrendered loose firearms in Maguindanao del Sur to prevent the weapons from being used again in criminal or lawless activities.
With the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections approaching, authorities are expected to continue encouraging gun owners and local communities to voluntarily surrender unauthorized weapons.
Why This Matters
The latest firearms turnover highlights a growing partnership between local officials, residents, and security forces in Maguindanao del Sur. But as authorities collect more weapons from communities, the bigger question remains:
How many loose firearms are still circulating—and can the continuing disarmament campaign help prevent violence during one of the most significant elections in Bangsamoro history?
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