22/07/2025
LOOK | Fi****ms Turnover Ceremony Marks Progress in SALW Management Program
San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur – On July 21, 2025, in a concerted effort to promote peacebuilding and public safety and the sustainment operations conducted by the unit, the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion of the Philippine Army, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of San Pablo, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), successfully conducted a turn-over ceremony of loose fi****ms under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program. The ceremony took place in Poblacion, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, and brought together key military, religious, civilian, and Moro leaders in a unified stand for peace.
Present during the event were BGEN RANDOLPH P ROJAS PA, Commander of the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army; LTC ROLANDO E VARGAS JR INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division; San Pablo Mayor Hon Divine Neleh A. Taucan-Anghad; PCPT Derfjay S. Maquinta, Chief of Police of San Pablo; LCDR VINCENT BRYAN M MARCOS PCD, Station Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Station Zamboanga del Sur; Ms. Christine Baruro, representing OPAPRU; and SB members headed by Hon Danilo A. Taucan.
The turnover of loose fi****ms is a crucial step in the national government’s efforts to curb the spread of unregistered weapons, reduce the risk of armed violence, and enhance overall public safety. It also demonstrates the essential role played by local government units and security forces in fostering voluntary disarmament and a culture of peace within communities.
In his message, BGEN ROJAS commended the continued cooperation between the military and the local government unit in San Pablo, ZDS, in achieving peace and security. He emphasized that such milestones are only possible through sustained collaboration and mutual trust among stakeholders, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to protecting communities and upholding peace, security and progress.
The 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, alongside its partners, remains steadfast in its mission to support initiatives that promote long-term peace and development in the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur. More than just the surrender of loose fi****ms, the event signifies a shared dedication to community resilience and the pursuit of lasting peace.