Zamboanga city: The city government has extended assistance to eight farmers who voluntarily handed over loose firearms to authorities on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Khymer Olaso personally handed over the assistance at the city hall, comprising grocery packs and a 25-kilo sack of rice, to each of the farmers, all residents of Barangay Sibulao here. Each of them also received PHP5,000 in cash assistance, which Olaso stated was taken from his salary.
In a further gesture of support, Olaso pledged educational assistance to one of the eight individuals who expressed a desire to continue his studies. Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) acting chief Col. Manaros Boransing and Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) Director Col. Fidel Fortaleza Jr. joined Olaso during the ceremony.
The surrendered firearms, now in TFZ custody for safekeeping, included four 12-gauge shotguns, a Garand rifle, a Carbine rifle, a .38-caliber revolver, and a .357 Magnum revolver. Olaso noted that all eight individuals have no pending cases and that the firearms were owned by their relatives.
One of the farmers mentioned that he had no use for the 12-gauge shotgun given to him, which is why he decided to voluntarily surrender it to authorities. He explained that it belonged to his grandfather and he had no use for it.
Another farmer stated that he believes in the authorities' capacity to protect them from any aggressors in the city, which led him to surrender his Carbine rifle. He shared that the firearm was given to him by an uncle for protection of his land, but he lives peacefully in his village with no known enemies.
Olaso commended the TFZ for its efforts to promote peace and security, emphasizing that removing guns from unauthorized persons will improve the city's peace and order. He praised the TFZ's dedication, collaboration with partner agencies, and engagement with local communities, reinforcing public trust and demonstrating that lasting peace is achieved through unity and shared responsibility.
He also acknowledged the ZCPO's anti-crime efforts and assured the city government's commitment and steadfast support for programs and initiatives that promote peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and community security.
