Lanao Norte town turns over loose firearms to boost peace, dev’t

ILIGAN CITY — The municipal government of Poona-Piagapo in Lanao del Norte turned over nine high-powered loose firearms to the Philippine Army as part of its efforts to strengthen peace and security and pave the way for a more progressive municipality.

The turnover was held on Monday at the headquarters of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Nangka, Baloi, Lanao del Norte.

Poona-Piagapo Mayor Ashley Raki-in and Lt. Col. Jeremy Damonsong, 44th IB commander, underscored the importance of cooperation between the local government, security forces, and communities in sustaining peace and promoting development.

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READ: DILG chief wants 20-year jail terms for loose firearms charges

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Damonsong stressed that security must precede development, saying infrastructure projects and government programs would be difficult to implement if communities remained vulnerable to security threats.

“Security before development,” he said, emphasizing that a peaceful environment would allow government projects to proceed and residents to benefit from improved infrastructure and public services.

He credited the municipal government under Raki-in’s leadership for supporting peace and security initiatives, expressing confidence that their partnership would continue to advance stability and progress in Poona-Piagapo, which comprises 26 villages.

Raki-in described the turnover as an initial step toward encouraging more residents to surrender loose firearms and help reduce risks associated with unauthorized weapons.

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The surrendered firearms included four M1 Garand rifles, three M1 Carbine rifles, one M2 Carbine rifle, and an M-203 grenade launcher.

The Army and the municipal government are expected to sustain their cooperation in maintaining peace and security, which officials consider essential to implementing infrastructure projects and improving the delivery of services across the municipality.

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READ: Marcos open to stiffer penalties for possession of unlicensed firearmsAuthorities said community participation would remain important in sustaining peace and translating security gains into lasting, inclusive development./coa