BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi -- The provincial government of Tawi-Tawi's program on the management of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) was officially launched here on Sunday, August 22.

During the launching, Government of the Philippines (GPH) Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) Co-Chair Ariel Hernandez witnessed the presentation of 70 loose firearms that were turned over to the provincial government by the municipal local government units of Sapa-Sapa and Languyan.

In his remarks, Hernandez expressed the GPH JNC's support for the successful implementation of the normalization programs in Tawi-Tawi.

Earlier this month, Hernandez also witnessed the presentation of weapons turned over to the provincial government of Basilan under its SALW program.

Hernandez also underscored the importance of stakeholders' participation and cooperation to further unleash the socioeconomic potential of the beautiful island-province of Tawi-Tawi.

"Napakalaki po ng potensyal ng Tawi-Tawi at 'pag tinrabaho po nating wala ng mga baril at gulo, ang mga investors ay magiging mas kampante. Kaya sa mga barangay officials, tulungan po natin si Governor [Sali] sa programa ng SALW. Para din po ito sa inyo," Hernandez said.

As part of the SALW program, provincial governments will provide livelihood livelihood assistance packages to those who turned-in their firearms such as pump boats for those residing in coastal areas.

"Hindi lang ito pagbabago ng pag-iisip tungkol sa mga baril kundi pagbabago din ng puso para ma-attain natin ang kapayapaan," said Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali, Al Haj.

The program on SALW, which is under the security component of the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), aims to restrict the movement and manage the number of loose firearms in Bangsamoro communities.

It is also being carried out in parallel with the programs on dispute resolution and Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (DPAGs), and the decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants to help improve peace and security in the Bangsamoro.

The event was also attended by PNP Provincial Director PCol. Bonard Briton; Col. Romeo Racadio, Commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade; PMaj. Winston Botengan, Chief of Police of Sapa-Sapa; Languyan Mayor Abduhasan Ismael Sali; and barangay chairmen from the municipalities of Sapa-Sapa and Languyan.  (OPAPP)

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