Gun lovers celebrate gun-loving Aquino

The Philippine Inquirer ^ | 08/01/2010 | Mynardo Macaraig

[seacapn]

MANILA, Philippines—Standing amid an array of foreign assault rifles and local shotguns at one of the Philippines' largest shopping malls, firearms aficionados celebrated the rise of the nation's new president.

Benigno Aquino, who took office on June 30, is an avid sports shooter and clips on YouTube show him using a semi-automatic pistol with great skill at a target shooting competition.

"The feeling is that he is one of us. He also inhales gunpowder," said Johnmuel Mendoza, head of PRO-Gun, the country's largest firearms-rights group, at the twice-yearly gun show in Manila's vast "Megamall."

Indeed Aquino, the Supreme Court chief justice and other influential figures have been frequent visitors to the shows in recent years, according to Mendoza.

And in the gun-crazy Philippines, having a firearms exhibition alongside shops selling perfume, designer clothes, and frozen yogurt appears remarkably normal.

Women carrying infants and schoolchildren attended last month's five-day show, not necessarily to buy guns but just to marvel at the weapons as if they were browsing through the mall's more conventional retail outlets.

[seacapn]

An interesting item of news from the Philippines. I know several retired US military members who have retired in that country; it's possible that the new administration there may expand their gun rights.

[hoosierham]

The Filipinos know what it is like to be occupied by hostile,foreign forces and also have a long history fighting Muslim terrorists.

At least some people realize (fire)arms preserve freedom!

[Para-Ord.45]

Wonder if foreigners who retire there can purchase and own handguns.

[2harddrive]

Good question! I know SOME firearms there are hand-made, in unofficial factories, so I bet there is a LOT of regulation, especially above .22 caliber.

[rickomatic]

......in other news..........US president wets pants when shown a picture of a gun in a book....

[Neidermeyer]

Wonder if foreigners who retire there can purchase and own handguns.
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Officially the answer is no ,, but if you keep a wad of cash on hand in case of trouble you’re OK (or if you’re a celebrity or if you have any political connections etc. etc. etc.)... Their version of “SSS” is called “salvage” ... You can always hire a bodyguard that is licensed to carry. I have a farm there and we keep a shotgun handy for cobras, perhaps not 100% legal but we help others when they come across a nest of vipers, we had a cobra kill a water buffalo a few months ago ,, dropped out of a mango tree onto it... I don’t know what the snake was thinking ,, there was no way it could eat that animal.

[Ax]

I first got to the Philippines in Feb 1961. Immediately hightailed it out “Checkpoint Charlie” (Main Gate at Clark Air Base), hopped on a jeepney and got deposited at the Rotonda Kiosk. Nailed to the entrance was a big hand-painted sign: Please check all firearms with the management. During my whole 18 month tour, there was never a shot fired in Angeles.