Manila: Civilians in Maguindanao del Sur surrendered 43 assorted unlicensed firearms to military authorities on Monday, officials said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Aeron Gumabao, commanding officer of the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion, presented the weapons to Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, and South Upi Mayor Helen Padua during a ceremony in Barangay Poblacion, South Upi. The firearms were surrendered as part of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. The surrendered weapons included M16 rifles with M203 grenade launchers and caliber 50 sniper rifles.

Lt. Col. Gumabao noted that the increasing number of firearms surrendered by civilians indicates a level of trust between the civilians, the military, and the government. In his statement, he emphasized the importance of this trust in maintaining peace and security in the region.

Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, the Army's 6th Infantry Division commander, commended the civilians' decision to surrender their firearms. He urged other unauthorized gun owners to follow the example set by these civilians. "I appeal to other gunowners who are unauthorized to possess weapons to come forward, surrender your guns, become part of peace building in your communities," Cagara said.