SULTAN NAGA DIMAPORO, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--As proof of their commitment to the attainment of lasting peace in the province, members of a people's organization (PO) here handed over high-powered firearms to the government on Monday, June 28.
The firearms consisting of an M1 Garand Rifle, M16 A1, and 7.62mm Sniper Rifle, as well as one short steel magazine and 17 assorted ammunition, were received by Lt. Col. Julius Librada, commanding officer of the 5th Mechanized Battalion (5th Mech), and Sultan Naga Dimaporo mayor Motalib Dimaporo at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall of this municipality.
"Naisip nila na maghand-over nitong mga firearms bilang tanda na sincere sila na makicooperate sa ating Armed Forces para magkaroon ng tunay na kapayapaan dito sa lugar nila and especially sa buong Lanao del Norte," said Librada.
[They thought of handing over these firearms as a sign that they are sincere to cooperate with our Armed Forces to attain real peace here in their area and especially throughout Lanao del Norte.]
Lt. Col. Julius Librada, commanding officer of the 5th Mechanized Battalion, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo mayor Motalib Dimaporo sign the document for the hand-over of high powered firearms from a people's organization in Sultan Naga Dimaporo. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/ICIC)
Librada said members of Ilian Banana Farmers Association decided to hand over the firearms seeing the sincerity of the 5th Mech in helping them avail of government support such as free fertilizers and cash assistance under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
The 5th Mech also assisted them in registering their association with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Securities and Exchange Commission so that they can avail of government's livelihood programs.
Isha Macod, vice president of the association, expressed gratitude to the 5th Mech for bringing them closer to the government.
"Salamat kaayo sa inyong pagtulong sa amo pinaagi sa programa sa gobyerno nga inyong gipaabot sa amo. Nagpasalamat kaayo mi," he said.
[Thank you so much for helping us by bringing the government program to us. We are so thankful.] (APB/PIA-10/ICIC/Lanao del Norte)
