PNP chief graces gun show rites

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo will be the guest of honor at the opening rites of the 2011 Defense and Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) on July 14 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Bacalzo, along with other senior PNP officials, will be joined in by executives of six major foreign-based firearms manufacturing companies in the opening of the country’s premier gun show, now on its 19th year.

On the other hand, Sven de Souter, managing director of Glock-Asia Pacific, will lead the launching of the Glock 17 RTF2 pistol that features a lightweight but highly durable rough-texture frame. He will be welcomed by Joy Gutierrez Jose of Trust Trade, distributor of Glock pistols in the country.

The other firearm company executives include Khamis Al Muwaijel, regional manager of Caracal International based in United Arab Emirates; Darren Newsom of BVAC based in Montana, USA; Tom Wagner, regional director of  Sig Sauer based in USA; Dave Skinner of STI International based in Texas, USA; and George Wedge, vice president of Para Ordnance USA.

According to Gina Angcangco of Armscor Philippines, Muwaijel will be Armscor’s guest of honor in the launching of a new Caracal pistol.

Armscor will also donate one Caracal handgun to be raffled during the five-day gun show for a lucky visitor along with several Caracal caps and t-shirts.

Neri Dionisio, president of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (organizer of DSAS), said that they have lined up a series of free seminars on gun safety and handling, responsible gun ownership, proper firearms maintenance, rescue and first aid, and martial arts.