South Morotai Residents Hand Over Hundreds Of Ammunition And 22 Grenades To TNI, Pattimura Military Commander Says Thank You

AMBON - Pangdam XVI/ Pattimura Major General Richard Tampubolon appreciated the willingness of residents of South Morotai District, Morotai Island Regency, North Maluku (Malut) Province to hand over weapons, ammunition and explosives to TNI personnel.

"I give high appreciation to the residents who voluntarily and knowingly surrendered the weapons, munitions and explosives they had stored up so far," said Commander of the Regional Military Command Richard in Ambon, Antara, Monday, March 7.

A total of five homemade long-barreled weapons and 284 rounds of mixed-caliber ammunition were handed over to the Special Raider Battalion 732/Banau personnel who are members of the North Maluku Kodim Task Force (Satgas).

In addition, 22 explosives consisting of seven ring grenades and 15 type 97 hand grenades and 46 magazines.

The 22 explosives, along with five rounds of ammunition, were handed over by the residents of Juanga Village, South Morotai District to a member of the Special Battalion Battalion 732/Banau Praka Muhammad Ali, at the Daruba Ramil Post, North Maluku on Sunday.

"I thank and appreciate the public's awareness to hand over weapons, ammunition and explosives. This awareness certainly cannot be separated from the closeness and trust of the community to the officers on duty in their area," he said.

He also invited regional officials to always be close to the people where they work. "Maintain and maintain closeness with the community, help when the community gets into trouble," he said.

The Regional Commander also appealed to the public not to be afraid and hesitant to hand over weapons or ammunition that are still stored so as not to endanger themselves and others.

"Just leave it to Babinsa or the nearest Koramil Task Force personnel. We will be very grateful because the residents have helped maintain security and comfort and minimize unwanted things," said Pangdam Richard.