The country’s top shooters will get a much-needed boost as the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. announced plans to help improve their shooting skills and accuracy, especially during competitions.
Alaric Topacio, AFAD president, said the group plans to support multiple shooting events and also hold AFAD’s own competition dubbed as the AFAD Cup, which will serve as a tune-up match and qualifier for those participating in the 2019 IPSC Australasia Handgun Championship to be held in Lipa City, Batangas from Nov. 10 to 17 and the 2019 IPSC Rifle World Shoot II to be held in Karlskoga, Sweden on Aug. 3 to 10.
“AFAD Inc. has always been supportive of talented Filipino athletes who bring recognition and honor to the country in all international shooting competitions,” said Topacio.
AFAD wants to promote shooting so more Filipinos will take up the sport for recreational and competitive activities.
“Filipinos stand a big chance to excel in various disciplines of shooting sports,” Topacio added. “In fact, a shorter shooter can maintain better balance when standing for long periods of time holding a gun, as well as keep their gun steady.”
AFAD holds the longest-running gun show in the country, the Defense & Sporting Arms Show. This year’s iteration, the 27th in the series, is seen as the largest todate, with 60 exhibitors offering a range of firearms, ammunition and shooting paraphernalia.
“We expect over 25,000 firearms and shooting sports enthusiasts to visit the five-day exhibit to be held on July 11 to 15, 2019 at the Megatrade Hall inside SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City,” Topacio added.
Shooting sports personalities are expected to visit this year’s DSAS, among them Jethro Dionisio, Jag Lejano, Edward Rivera, Joey Delos Santos, Kahlil Viray, Huey Co, Mariboy Alejandro, and Bro Tecson. Top female shooters Grace Tamayo, Marly Martyr, and Evelyn Woods have also confirmed their attendance.
Over the years, AFAD has noticed increasing interest from women to purchase firearms for sports or protection. Topacio reiterated that the association is not only promoting just the firearms but responsible gun ownership.
“Gender is not a prerequisite for having the capability to protect yourself,” he said.
Other highlights at the 27th AFAD DSAS include free seminars on responsible gun ownership, firearms safety handling, and martial arts, as well as other exciting activities, including a daily raffle.
AFAD, created in 1989, was formed to represent the interests of the country’s defense and security industry. It now has 60 members who meet regularly to formulate and impose self-regulating policies for the industry, as well as government campaigns against illegal trading and importation of weaponry and loose firearms.