Article by:
Edwin Fernandez
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – As one of the highlights of the 6th Infantry Division's (6ID) founding anniversary, Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, witnessed Wednesday afternoon the ceremonial demilitarization of 959 captured firearms and 291 seized explosives here.
Centino was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Army’s 6ID commander, in destroying the captured, confiscated, surrendered, and recovered firearms at the parade grounds of the 6ID here in Barangay Awang, Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
The 6ID that celebrated its 34th founding anniversary is the Philippine Army’s primary infantry division in Central Mindanao.
Centino has lauded the entire 6ID unit for the surrender of 86 high-powered and 94 low-powered loose firearms and the seizure of 779 other assorted firearms, 291 anti-personnel mines, and explosives from state enemies.
“These achievements greatly impact the enemy’s capability to generate resources, thus significantly reducing their ability to commit atrocities,” Centino said.
“Your invaluable contributions bring us closer to our collective goal of attaining just and lasting peace and enduring security that will pave the way for sustainable development,” he said.
Uy, for his part, said the 6ID, which covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Sarangani, is determined to neutralize lawless groups in its area of responsibility.
Uy, concurrent head of the Joint Task Force Central, said the 6ID is currently facing communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, private armed groups (PAGs), and Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Central Mindanao.
Uy has been repeatedly calling for the peaceful surrender of all threat groups as envisioned by the national government to help bring about peace in Mindanao.
Since last year, more than 150 BIFF, NPA, and PAG members have either surrendered or neutralized by the military here.
The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
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