MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — The military collected Friday 42 assorted firearms from sympathizers of the New People’s Army and the Dawlah Islamiya in Maitum and nearby towns in Sarangani province. Maitum is a seaside town in Sarangani province, where there is presence of NPAs and members of the Dawlah Islamiya. Many of the villagers who turned in unlicensed firearms are supporters of the NPA’s self-styled Militia ng Bayan under the group’s Far South Mindanao Region Command. There are two groups using the Dawlah Islamiya’s banner, the Ansa’r Kilafah Philippines and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, both espousing hatred for non-Muslims. Uy said the firearms collected by the 38th IB are now kept in its battalion headquarters in Maasim town also in Sarangani province.

Source: Philippine Star July 03, 2021 04:30 UTC