AFAD champions shooters’ cause

MANILA, Philippines —  Championing the cause of national shooters bound for competitions abroad will be one of main campaigns as the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines (AFAD) stages the 32nd Defense and Sporting Arms Show.

AFAD president Aric Topacio hopes to advance changes in the limit of ammunition allowed for qualified national shooting members through a bill in coordination with the executive branch of the government and both Houses of Congress in Part 3 of the country’s biggest arms show on Nov 18 to 22 at the Megatrade Hall of the SM Megamall.

“We want our Filipino athletes to have every opportunity to train properly, develop their skills and represent the country with pride,” said Topacio, brother of Olympian shooter Hagen, during the event’s launch yesterday at Milky Way Cafe in Makati.

Topacio said that under the existing laws, a limit of 500 rounds of ammunition per purchase is imposed on every gun owner.

A shooter needs at least 1,500 rounds per training day, making it difficult to train here and forcing one to relocate camp overseas.