SENATE president Senator Francis Escudero hailed the resiliency of the local firearms manufacturer and dealers and said at the 30th Defense and Sporting Arms Show that just like any other sector and industry, need the full support and protection by the government.
“Sa ngayon ay napakahigpit ng Philippine National Police sa pagbibigay ng lisensya sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi po dapat ganito, nagiging dahilan lang ito para hindi na sila magpalisenya pa. Kung gagamitin po sa kasamaan ang baril, hindi na po iyan ipapalisensiya, bibili na lang ‘yan sa black market tapos itatapon ‘pag nagamit,” said Escudero in a message during the opening ceremony of the sporting arms event hosted by the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, Inc. .
Escudero said the Senate had already passed a law – Self Reliance Defense Act – and already presented it to President Marcos for signing. The said law will give way to build the country’s own firearms and armament manufacturing plant. Newly elected AFAD president Edwin Lim said AFAD withstood the tests of time and for the past three decades thrived as a reliable income-generating industry in the country with its thrust for safety and responsible gun ownership.