Introduction: A Message of Responsibility and Resilience
In Davao City, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa underscored his unwavering support for responsible gun ownership amid political and environmental headwinds as he led the opening of the 25th Tactical, Survival, and Arms Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, on October 16. The event, organized by Armscor Philippines, marked a milestone in a community-driven celebration of innovation, marksmanship, discipline, and responsibility.
Public Safety and Responsible Ownership
Dela Rosa emphasized that firearm ownership should not be viewed as the enemy of public safety. He acknowledged that many associate guns with danger and fear, but he argued that the expo’s community demonstrates otherwise: responsible firearm ownership can be a partner to public safety. His remarks arrived amid a broader political backdrop, including the veto of his proposed amendments to the Firearms Law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., yet Dela Rosa affirmed his dedication to the cause beyond political office.
Resilience in Leadership: A Personal Resolve
The senator, recently removed as chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, spoke with resolve: “No politics can shade my passion. Like a true champion, I shake off the dust, I rise again, back to our shared target, as we always do. Eyes on the prize.” He stressed that the fight for responsible gun ownership transcends legislative hurdles and appointments, aiming to empower citizens while maintaining public safety.
Industry and Preparedness: Armscor and the Expo Theme
Gina G. Marie Angangco, senior executive vice president and deputy CEO of Armscor Global Defense, framed the four-day expo around preparedness for natural disasters. She highlighted recent earthquakes, typhoons, and floods as reminders that disasters can strike without warning, underscoring the need for equipment, skills, resilience, and readiness at both the individual and community levels.
Law Enforcement Support and Community Safety
Davao City Police Office acting chief Police Col. Mannan Caracas Muarip endorsed the expo as a key platform to promote public awareness on security preparedness and responsible firearm ownership. He noted the department’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining order through a framework of discipline, action, virtue, accountability, and order in policing. The event thus positions itself as a pillar of peace, partnership, and preparedness within the city and beyond.
What to Expect: Expo Highlights
Running from October 16 to 19, the expo features firearms, tactical gear, and survival tools, along with on-site licensing and safety training services. Beyond showcasing equipment, the event serves as a national platform for promoting responsible firearm use, public safety, and resilience—values Dela Rosa says will remain central to his advocacy.
Conclusion: A Shared Target
The 25th Tactical, Survival, and Arms Expo 2025 reinforces the message that responsible gun ownership, when paired with discipline and preparedness, contributes to a safer society. As organizers and supporters rally around innovation and accountability, Dela Rosa’s mission to champion responsible ownership endures, with the expo serving as a practical manifestation of that belief.
