COTABATO CITY: Police authorities in Maguindanao del Norte announced Wednesday that the intensified campaign against loose firearms in the hands of civilians and unauthorized individuals is gaining headway. Col. Sultan Salman Sapal, Maguindanao del Norte provincial police director, said on Wednesday morning that officials of Barangay Maitung in Kabuntalan town have turned over a .45-caliber pistol to Capt. Erwin Maylos, the town police chief. 'Village officials seized the pistol from a suspect who roamed around the village displaying his unlicensed gun,' Sapal said in a radio interview. He said the suspect, whose identity was withheld pending investigation, is currently detained at the municipal police lock-up as charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act are readied against him. In Talitay town, village councilman Lingkong Buisan also turned over to the local police a homemade pistol surrendered to him by a villager. In Northern Kabuntalan tow n, a resident handed over to Barangay Libungan chairperson Norhaya Bayam a homemade M203 grenade launcher. Bayam told Lt. Rex Laurino, town police chief, that the grenade launcher was turned over to her by one of the villagers, whom she did not identify. Sapal lauded the locals for supporting the police campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in the province. Source: Philippines News Agency