By Edwin Rollon
Next stop, Davao.
Responsible gun owners and enthusiasts from all over the country fly to Davao and bring with them full displays of world-class imported and locally made firearms in the 31st Defense and Sporting Arms Show on October 23-26 at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang.
The organizing Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (AFAD) is eyeing massive displays of innovative weapons and ammunition before an expected huge turnout in attendance in the return of the country’s longest arms show at the “Crown Jewel of Mindanao."
"The last time the gun show came here was in 2017, and it was a huge success. Davao and the Dabawenos were no strangers to us, and we're very excited to rekindle that old, strong connection we had seven years ago.
"So we're not leaving any stone unturned, we may have yet, the best staging of our gun show in Davao,” said AFAD spokesperson Alaric "Aric" Topacio.
Topacio added the AFAD leadership under newly elected president Edwin Lim has been putting its best foot forward in their previous editions and the Davao promise of success would make the location a regular stop for the show.
"No doubt in our minds, Davao will surpass the Manila leg in terms of exhibition and attendance. It's just a matter of seeing how Davao will do it.
“And it's just fitting that Davao becomes part of the DSAS 30th-year celebration," added Topacio.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte and Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa are invited to grace the opening ceremony at 11 a.m.
Around 40 members and exhibitors have already confirmed participation in the three-day arms show of top-notch sporting firearms, ammunition, and paraphernalia from renowned international manufacturers and local distributors.
"We are very excited, shout-out to our Dabaweno friends, we're coming and preparing to enjoy what could be the best DSAS.
"We will bring in the best firepower products, and the most knowledgeable people in responsible owning and handling of weapons both defense and sporting," said Topacio.
With its foremost mission to educate the public about responsible gun ownership, AFAD line-up activities and programs throughout the three-day event include seminars on the safe handling of firearms, the legal process of acquiring guns, and vital documents and government requirements. In close coordination with the PNP, AFAD put up a one-stop area for application and renewal of licenses to own and possess firearms available in the show and there’s an on-site shop where buyers can get their hardware within 24 hours.
Members and exhibitors included Trust Trade, PB Dionisio & Co., Inc., Squires Bingham International/Armscor, Tactical Corner, Inc., Nashe Enterprises, Hahn Manila Enterprises, Shooters Guns and Ammo Corp., R. Espineli Trading, Imperial Guns, Ammo & Accessories, Jethro International, Inc.; Stronghand Incorporated, Force Site Inc, Tactical Precision Trading, Armscor Shooting Center,
Topspot Guns and Ammo, Defensive Armament Resource Corp. True Weight, Tactics SOG Industries Inc., Lock and Load Firearms and Sporting Goods, Santiago Fiberforce, Jordan Leather & Gen. Mdse., Speededge, Greyman Elite Inc., Frontier Guns & Ammo, Jordan Guns & Ammo Trading, Raj’s, VinzRock, Luminox, CPR Gun Tchnology Inc., DC Tacs &Ammo, Octagearman Apparel, Tac Gear Trading, Micro Max Supplies and Ballistic Shield.
