EDITORIAL - An industry that should dwindle

Following the surrender of several illegal gunsmiths in Danao City, National Police Commission-7 acting Regional Director Edman Pares said that these individuals may be the last of their breed since they didn’t pass on their knowledge of gunmaking to others,

“I know that this industry kaning ilang skills, kutob rani nila kay wa na man nila tudlo-i ilang mga anak. So ilang mga anak ila 'nang gipaskwela, duna nay mga professionals ila na g’yung gi-divert,” Pares said.

There was a time when guns were sorely needed. In fact, according to oral history, the Danao gunmaking industry was born out of need for guns to resist the invading Japanese forces during World War II.

But even after the war, gunsmiths decided it was a lucrative business and kept carrying on. Eventually Danao became known for its guns the same way Liloan is known for its rosquillos, Dalaguete for its vegetables, and other towns for their own unique cottage industry.

But it was not all good; guns found their way into the hands of those who should not have them. The result was more petty criminals becoming armed robbers, especially from the '50's to the '80's.

“Kinahanglan mo'g pusil? Adto lang mo sa Danao” was a common saying during it's heyday.

Fast forward to today. As Pares claims, former gunsmiths now see another path forward for their children. Not as artisans of fireams but as graduates with skills that can help not just themselves but also the country.

This is one industry that had a patriotic start but must dwindle; we don't want guns ending up in the wrong hands.