By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Thursday led the opening of the 26th Defense and Sporting Arms Show by the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines (AFAD) Inc. which has been advocating for responsible gun ownership.
Albayalde said the PNP has been a long-time partner of AFAD in promoting responsible gun ownership in the country and encouraged civilians who want to own a gun to strictly follow the proper procedures.
In his opening speech at the five-day event held at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City, Albayalde thanked AFAD for the partnership and its support to the PNP’s efforts to regulate the ownership of firearms in the country.
“I must say, with license gun owners becoming more aware on both their rights and responsibility, more safe and secured activities, likewise with this event, showcasing the best and latest technology in firearms ammunition, it does serve well to further spur the local firearms industry in becoming globally competitive,” he noted.
Albayalde said the PNP is committed to sustaining the downtrend in crime incidents.
“The PNP is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring peace and order for the nation during this Holiday season and most especially in the coming months leading to the May 2019 mid-term elections,” Albayalde said.
Albayalde urged gun enthusiasts to visit the event for them to be further educated in legal ownership of firearms.
With the coming elections, Albayalde told reporters that processing licenses for ownership of firearm by an individual will continue but the permit to carry (PTC) outside of residence will be suspended.
“You can buy a gun and its licenses or through its authorized dealer pero yung PTC, pagdating ng election next year ay masususpende yan(but the PTC will be suspended during the election next year),” Albayalde said.
Meanwhile, AFAD president and world shooting champ Jethro Dionisio said gun enthusiasts will have field day on the wide array of modern weaponry for varied purposes, like home defense, self-protection, sport shooting and company security, among others.
“The standing commitment of the AFAD and PNP in promoting responsible firearm ownership has led to the astonishing growth of the gun community,” Dionisio said.
