PNP chief to grace gun show opening

MANILA, Philippines - Director General Nicanor Bartolome, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), leads the opening ceremonies of the 2011 Defense and Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) Part 2 on Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. at Megatrade Halls 1 and 2, Building B, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Bartolome will be joined by other senior PNP officials.

Also invited to join Bartolome during the opening rites are Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Rico Puno and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtanggol Gatdula.

Considered as another major feat in the Philippine sports shooting, the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (AFAD) – event organizer of DSAS – will honor members of Team Philippines who won medals during the 2011 World Shoot XVI in Rhodes, Greece last September.

Among them are ace shooters Jerome Morales, silver medalist individual-modified division; Jethro Dionisio, fourth-individual-standard division; Jag Lejano, fifth-individual-production division; and Philipp Chua, third-individual-standard division (seniors category).

Meanwhile, veteran radio anchor and avid sport shooter Angelo Almonte of DZMM will conduct a live on-stage interview on the members of the national team on Nov. 20 at 5:45 p.m. at the DSAS venue.

Now on its 19th year, the DSAS, the country’s premier and longest running gun show, features the latest technology and design in firearms with a wide array of modern shooting paraphernalia.

AFAD has lined up free seminars, including gun maintenance and gun safety and handling, for the public during the five-day DSAS.

The annual event is sponsored by The Philippine STAR, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Daily Tribune, People’s Journal, DZRH 666, Crossover 105.1, Home Radio 97.9, DWIZ 882, Total Security Systems Inc., Ansmann Energy Batteries and Chargers, and Taytan International Corp.