Manila, March 24 -- Civilians in three towns within the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM) surrendered 41 unlicensed firearms to support peace and development efforts, a military official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinay, commander of the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion (34IB), said the firearms were turned over by residents of Nabalawag, Kadayangan and Pahamuddin.

On Sunday, Batinay presented the weapons to Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the 602nd Army Brigade, during a ceremony at the 34IB headquarters in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

"The turnover of these firearms marks another significant step in the government's commitment to promoting peace and security in the SGA,"...