After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Association of Firearms and Ammunitions Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. (AFAD) Defense and Sporting Arms Show returns with a bang on July 14-18 at the Megatrade Hall of the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Now on its 28th edition, AFAD said 48 members and exhibitors have confirmed their participation in the in the five-day event to showcase world-class locally-made and imported firearms, ammunitions, and paraphernalia.
Expected to grace the affair that will have its opening Thursday, July 14 at 10 a.m. are Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa and Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge Police Lieutenant General Vicente D. Danao Jr.
“We wanted to showcase the best products available in the market while at the same time informing our customers of the restriction on having a firearm,” said 2022 Vietnam SEAG silver medalist Hagen Alexander Topacio.
Topacio was elected the new president of AFAD, replacing his younger brother Alaric, who successfully organized the last two legs of the Armed Show in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country and the rest of the world.
“After almost three years of absence in the observance of health and safety protocol due to pandemic, we’re now back with better and much bigger activities and programs involving our members and affiliated organizations,” said Topacio.
“We’re all affected by the pandemic. Nagkaroon ng restriction sa movement. Luckily our business thrives as many of our clients opted to buy firearms for their own protection. No specific occupations, they’re hardworking people. They advocate personal protection and responsible gun ownership,” added Topacio.
He added that enthusiasts could also learn a thing or two as they line up seminars and educational programs on self-defense, responsible gun ownership, firearms safety handling, regulation policy on gun ownership, and other exciting activities during the five-day event.
