Whether you are a competitive sport shooter, a hobbyist, or someone simply looking to understand the basics of home defense, the conversation around firearms in the Philippines is changing. It’s becoming smarter, safer, and more community-focused.
Leading this charge is the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. (AFAD), which is bringing the country’s longest-running showcase back to the city center.
If you missed the July run, now is your chance. The 31st Defense & Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) Part 2 officially opens its doors on Tuesday, November 18, at the SM Megamall Trade Hall in Mandaluyong City. Running until November 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., this isn’t just an expo—it’s a comprehensive look at the modern landscape of responsible ownership.
Here is why you should swing by.
Innovation Meets Education
Following a successful stint at the SMX Convention Center earlier this year, the move to SM Megamall brings the action closer to the metro’s heart.
The show features around 40 exhibitors, ranging from international heavyweights to proud local manufacturers. Attendees can expect to see the latest firearm models, high-tech accessories, and tactical gear. But according to AFAD representative Aric Topacio, the gleaming hardware is only half the story.
“DSAS isn’t only a venue to showcase the latest hardware — it’s equally a platform for learning,” Topacio explains. “Our goal is to help attendees build awareness, strengthen their skills, and better understand the responsibilities of gun ownership. That commitment to education is what sets this show apart.”
A Masterclass in Responsibility
For the uninitiated, walking into a defense show can feel daunting. AFAD has curated this event to be accessible and educational. Throughout the four-day run, there will be a series of focused talks and demonstrations covering:
- Safe Handling & Discipline: The non-negotiables of ownership.
- Firearm Maintenance: How to care for your investment.
- Secure Storage: Keeping your home and family safe.
It is about building the proper mindset before buying the gear.
The Ultimate Convenience: One-Stop-Shop
Perhaps the most practical reason to visit is the administrative convenience. We all know the legwork involved in licensing, but DSAS simplifies the friction.
The event serves as a one-stop-shop for License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) applications and Firearm Registration (FR). With law enforcement agencies on-site to assist, you can navigate the bureaucratic process in the comfort of the trade hall rather than hopping between government offices.
Who You’ll See There
The lineup is a “who’s who” of the industry. You can expect to browse booths from leading industry names, including:
- Trust Trade, PB Dionisio & Co. Inc., and Squires Bingham International Inc.
- Armscor Shooting Center and Twin Pines, Inc.
- Stronghand Incorporated and Final Option Trading Corporation
- And dozens more, including tactical gear specialists and outdoor outfitters.
A Community of Discipline
Beyond the commerce, DSAS is about camaraderie.
“At its heart, DSAS is about community,” says Topacio. “It’s where curious first-timers, hobbyists, industry players, and public servants come together to exchange ideas and strengthen a shared culture rooted in safety, respect, and accountability.”
Whether you are looking to upgrade your competition rig, apply for your first license, or simply learn what responsible ownership looks like in 2025, the 31st DSAS is the place to be.
Event Details
- What: 31st Defense & Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) Part 2
- When: November 18 to 21, 2025
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Where: SM Megamall Trade Hall, Mandaluyong City
First Time at DSAS? Read This First!
1. Bring Your Documents: If you plan to utilize the One-Stop-Shop for your License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) or registration, come prepared! Bring your valid IDs and necessary paperwork so you can take advantage of the on-site assistance from law enforcement agencies. It beats waiting in line elsewhere!
2. Attend a “Safety First” Talk: Don’t just browse the booths—learn the basics. The daily seminars on safe handling and secure storage are perfect for beginners. It’s the best way to understand the responsibility that comes with the hardware.
3. Ask Before You Touch: While exhibitors are friendly and eager to demonstrate products, standard safety etiquette applies. Always ask permission before handling any equipment at the booths, and don’t be afraid to ask “basic” questions—the dealers are there to educate, not just sell.
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