A total of 79 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur during the launch of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management (SALW-M) Program held at the South Upi Municipal Gymnasium in Barangay Romongaob on Sunday.

The initiative forms part of the UNDP-led ASPIRE Project in partnership with the local government of South Upi, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The program was also supported by the 57th Infantry Battalion and other government agencies.

Residents who turned over unlicensed firearms received livelihood assistance packages that included livestock such as goats and cattle, along with high-yield corn seeds, fertilizers, and rice provisions intended to help households stabilize during the transition period.

Officials said the SALW-M Program is designed to encourage the voluntary surrender of unlicensed firearms while addressing the socio-economic conditions that often contribute to armed conflict in vulnerable communities.

The approach provides immediate incentives in exchange for weapons, paired with agricultural and livelihood support.

Commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Michael Santos of the Philippine Army, said the program demonstrates a comprehensive strategy to reduce armed violence by replacing instruments of conflict with productive livelihood resources. He emphasized that strengthening community-based economic foundations is key to achieving long-term peace and stability in Mindanao.

He also commended the efforts of the Masikap Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Gumabao for their role in facilitating the voluntary surrender of firearms, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to threat reduction and peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro region.