World-class sporting firearms and shooting products, both imported and locally made, showcasing the latest innovations and safety features, will take center stage as the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, Inc. (AFAD) launches the first part of this year’s 30th Defense and Sporting Arms Show from August 21-25 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Newly elected AFAD President Edwin Lim announced that over 40 members and exhibitors have confirmed their participation in the five-day event, which will feature top-tier sporting firearms, ammunition, and accessories from renowned manufacturers and distributors.
“AFAD is committed to promoting safe and responsible gun ownership. All stakeholders are aligned with this mission and vision. We anticipate a successful and impactful arms show,” said Lim, who also serves as the president of the Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA).
Lim of Magnus Sports Shops was recently elected to lead AFAD’s new set of officers, which includes Reynaldo C. Espineli of R. Espineli Trading as Vice President, Maria Cristina Tuason-Gonzalez of Squires Bingham International, Inc. as Secretary, Edwin D. Año, Jr. of Topspot Guns and Ammunition Trading as Treasurer, and Alaric Alexander J. Topacio of Tools Trading Corporation as Comptroller. Additional officers are Patrick James H. Dionisio of P.B. Dionisio & Co., Inc., Dino C. Reyes of Lynx Firearms and Ammunition, Mary Grace T. Parilla of True Weight, and Ivy Illine C. Sapasap of Imperial Guns, Ammo & Accessories.
Lim believes that with the collaborative efforts of all members, AFAD will continue to thrive as a vital and profitable industry in the country. In the realm of sports, AFAD’s programs are further strengthened by Lim’s involvement with the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA), where he serves as a Board Member.
“Over the years, shooting sports have been a cornerstone of safe and responsible gun ownership. It’s noteworthy that there are approximately 10,000 active shooters in the country, including 5,000 PPSA members. The shooting community is fortunate to have President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr., a member of PPSA and a responsible gun owner, among its ranks,” Lim added.
The opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m. is expected to be attended by Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. AFAD has also extended invitations to Presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Araneta Marcos, Senator Lito Lapid, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino.
As part of its mission to educate the public on responsible gun ownership, AFAD has scheduled various activities and programs throughout the five-day event. These include seminars on the safe handling of firearms, the legal process of acquiring guns, and essential documents and government requirements. In collaboration with the PNP, AFAD has also set up a one-stop area for the application and renewal of licenses to own and possess firearms at the show.
Lim encourages both online and walk-in patrons to retain their tickets, as AFAD will be raffling off exciting items, paraphernalia, and firearms during the event.
Participating members and exhibitors include Trust Trade, PB Dionisio & Co., Inc., Squires Bingham International Inc., Tactical Corner, Inc., Nashe Enterprises, Hahn Manila Enterprises, Shooters Guns and Ammo Corp., Metro Arms Corporation, R. Espineli Trading, Imperial Guns, Ammo & Accessories, Jethro International, Inc., Stronghand Incorporated, Final Option Trading Corporation, Force Site Inc., Lynx Firearms and Ammunition, Tactical Precision Trading, Armscor Shooting Center, Topspot Guns and Ammo, Lordman Leathercraft Guns and Ammo, Defensive Armament Resource Corp., True Weight, Tactics SOG Industries Inc., Lock and Load Firearms and Sporting Goods, Pascual Enterprises, Santiago Fiberforce, Jordan Leather & Gen. Mdse., Speededge, Magnus Sports Shop, Greyman Elite Inc., Bonanza Enterprise, Frontier Guns & Ammo, Jordan Guns & Ammo Trading, Tacops-Tactical Option, Inc., Raj’s, Asia Defense and Armament Corporation, and Secure Arms.
