The second edition of the 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show, organized by the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, Inc. (AFAD), will take place from December 7 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The event is the country’s longest-running arms’ show and will feature a wide range of top-of-the-line local and imported firearms, optics, sporting goods, and accessories. The event is open to the public, gun enthusiasts, hobbyists and sportsmen.
After a successful first edition at its new home, the show’s members and exhibitors are anticipating heavy participation, under the leadership of Aric Topacio and Edwin Año.
“We’re happy to be back. With a huge turnout of visitors in the first edition last May, our members particularly the major players in the industry are so eager and enthusiastic to participate and put on display their products,” said Topacio during the launch on Tuesday at the Milkyway Restaurant in Makati City.
AFAD is eager to give visitors an unforgettable lifetime experience, with officials stating that it is no longer an association of gun manufacturers and importers, but an active organization of sportsmen, responsible gun owners and a moving force for the continuing progress in the industry.
The arms show has been the leading firearms’ industry hub for almost three decades, providing opportunities for gun enthusiasts, law enforcement, collectors, and industry professionals to learn about the latest products, innovations, and technology.
In the opening ceremony set at 10 a.m., top officials from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and relevant agencies will be among the guests.
In addition to the usual product display, promotional program and activities on renewing licenses and applications for newly registered gun owners, visitors will have the chance to participate in an open discussion about self-defense, firearms’ safety handling, security, responsible gun ownership, and regulation policies.
AFAD’s unwavering passion and commitment is to educate the public on responsible gun ownership, safety, and security.
Topacio added that they are proud to say that for the record, the involvement of licensed gun owners in any incidents involving firearms is just a fraction of the total number. Nonetheless, they must continue their mission of promoting responsible gun ownership.
“Educate the public on responsible gun ownership, safety, and security is AFAD’s unwavering passion and commitment. We must continue our mission of promoting responsible gun ownership,” added Topacio.
Over 40 members and guest exhibitors are confirmed to participate such as Trust Trade, PB Dionisio and Co., Inc., Tactical Corner Inc., Squires Bingham Intl./Armscor, Nashe Enterprises, Willi Hahn Enterprises, Shooters Guns, and Ammo Corp., Metro Arms Corporation, R. Espenile Trading, Imperial Guns, Ammo and Accessories, Jethro International, Inc., Stronghand Incorporated, Final Option Trading Corporation, Force Site Inc., Lynx Firearms and Ammunition, Tactical Precision Trading, Armscor Shooting Center, Defensive Armament Resource Corp., Topspot Guns and Ammo, Lordman Leathercraft Guns and Ammo, True Weight, Tactics SOG Industries Inc., Lock & Load Firearms and Sporting Goods, Pascual Gun Works, Metro Sporting Arms Show, Santiago Fiberforce, Jordan Leather and Gen. Mdse, Magnus Sports Shop, Speededge, Inc., Greyman Elite, Inc., Bonanza/Icarus Shirts, CBX Trading and General Merchandise, Calibre Monte Carlo Sports Corp., Tacops Tactical Option, Inc., Frontier Guns and Ammo, Profence Systems Corporation, Lantin Customs Gun Shops, Raj’s, Topspeed, Asia Defense Armament Corporation, Top Gun, Oksmoto, Tongs and Steamers, and Simply Gourment.