Bigger, better arms show at Megamall

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s major gun manufacturers and dealers will put their latest firearms and shooting paraphernalia on display at the 2009 Defense and Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) Part 2 Nov. 12-16 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

To accommodate an expected big number of guests and based on the success of the recent DSAS events, Hector Rodriguez, president of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (AFAD), said they are expanding the exhibit hall by occupying the adjacent Mega Trade Hall 2 for the second part of this year’s gun show.

In past DSAS events, AFAD participants only occupied Mega Trade Hall 1 at the fifth floor of Building B in SM Megamall for the DSAS Part 2 despite the big demand for more show booths for new firearms and shooting accessories and heavy influx of gun aficionados.

DSAS Part 1, held in July, occupied both Mega Trade Halls 1 and 2.

Director General Jesus Verzosa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Chief Supt. Alfredo Caballes, director of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Division (FED), have signified their intention to attend the country’s premier gun show.

Event organizer Tradeshow International (TSI) has lined up several free seminars and demonstrations, which include gun safety and responsible gun ownership; gun control, safety and regulations on gun modification; Airsoft 101; Street Smarts; Airsoft safety and proper decorum; legal aspects of gun ownership; practical medicine; shooting as a sport; force on force; steel challenge; tactical options; Krav Mga, Arnis; indigenous fighting system; and tactical fashion show.

There will be also a “best dressed gun competition” for modified/customized guns for AFAD-accredited and PNP-recognized gunsmiths.