CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City: The Provincial Government of Basilan, in coordination with Lt. Col. Cyril Santander, commanding officer of the 18th Infantry Battalion, in collaboration with the municipal local government unit of Akbar headed by Mayor Alih Sali, facilitated the turnover of four assorted loose firearms from the villages of the municipality. The ceremonial turnover was held at Akbar Multipurpose Hall located in Barangay Bato-Bato. In addition, 57 assorted firearms owned by the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams and Civilian Volunteer Organizations of Akbar were also presented for stenciling. According to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, the surrender of firearms was a result of the relentless campaign of the provincial government and the military against the proliferation of loose firearms in the province. The four turned-over firearms include three M1 Garand rifles and one cal. 38 pistol. Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of Western Mindanao Command, lauded the troops of JTF Basilan for their steadfast resolve to free Basilan from violence through the implementation of the small arms and light weapons program. He also attributed this success to the good governance of the local chief executives of the province. 'This accomplishment exemplifies the commitment of the different sectors to collaborate to free communities from the traces of violence, terrorism, and other lawlessness,' Galido stated.