Four SEA Games Golds Renew Calls for Shooting Training Assistance
AFAD is seeking stronger training support for Philippine shooters following their four-gold practical shooting performance at the SEA Games. President Aric Topacio said proposed assistance must remain subject to government clearances, applicable laws, permits, and regulatory safeguards.
AFAD Seeks Training Support for Philippine Shooters
The Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines wants stronger training preparation for national shooting athletes. AFAD president Aric Topacio specifically raised adequate training ammunition while acknowledging existing government permits and regulatory requirements.
Topacio said consistent preparation remains important for Filipino shooters competing against established international athletes at major tournaments. His proposal calls for practical arrangements supporting athlete requirements without removing government oversight or existing firearms-control safeguards.
“We want our Filipino athletes to have every opportunity to train properly, develop their skills and represent the country with pride,” said Topacio, whose brother, Hagen, is a member of the national shooting team.
“With the appropriate government clearances and compliance with all regulations, we hope to find practical ways to support their training requirements.”
Image from: Daily Tribune
Topacio Links Training Access With International Preparation
Topacio connected sufficient training opportunities with preparing Filipino athletes for stronger international competition and maintaining consistent development. His remarks explicitly condition any proposed ammunition arrangements on appropriate government clearances and compliance with existing regulations.
Philippine Practical Shooters Build on Four SEA Games Golds
Philippine practical shooters captured four individual gold medals during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December 2025. Rolly Nathaniel Tecson, Edcel John Gino, Erin Mattea Micor, and Genesis Pible delivered the championship performances in Chonburi.
The Philippines earned medals across all eight practical shooting events, finishing with four golds, one silver, and three bronzes. That performance provides measurable competitive context behind renewed discussions surrounding training support for Philippine national shooting athletes.
Four Filipino Shooters Capture Individual Championships
Tecson won men’s standard individual, while Gino captured men’s production optic individual during the three-day practical shooting competition. Micor topped women’s open individual, while Pible completed the four-gold haul by winning women’s production optic individual.
SEA Games Champion Tecson Previously Called for More Support
Tecson separately expressed hope after the SEA Games that the practical shooting team’s performance would generate greater government recognition. The world champion said Filipino shooters had previously attended a world championship in South Africa with limited government support.
His comments provide an athlete perspective independent of AFAD’s later proposal concerning training resources for Philippine national shooters. Tecson argued that Filipino practical shooters possessed significant competitive potential after their four-gold performance against Southeast Asian opponents.
“Sana. Sana. (Magkaroon ng bigger support),” Tecson said after the SEA Games.
Philippine Shooting Delegation Earns Medals Across Disciplines
Beyond practical shooting’s eight medals, Philippine pistol and rifle competitors collected one silver and one bronze during the Games. Shotgun athletes added two silver medals, extending the national shooting delegation’s medal production beyond the four practical shooting champions.
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AFAD Plans Government Talks During November Arms Show
AFAD plans to raise its athlete-support proposal during Part 3 of the 32nd Defense and Sporting Arms Show. The event runs November 18–22 at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City, according to contemporary event reporting.
AFAD invited representatives from the Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other government agencies. Their attendance provides a venue for discussing athlete requirements alongside regulatory responsibilities governing ammunition and other controlled sporting equipment.
Defense and Sporting Arms Show Provides Discussion Venue
The five-day event brings industry representatives and government stakeholders together while promoting regulatory compliance and responsible firearms ownership. AFAD’s national-team proposal remains one sporting issue requiring government consideration rather than an independently approved policy or regulatory change.
Athlete Proposal Remains Subject to Regulatory Approval
AFAD’s request does not represent an approved government policy expanding ammunition access for Philippine national shooting athletes. Topacio instead framed the proposal around identifying lawful arrangements compatible with existing permits, government clearances, and regulatory safeguards.
That distinction separates AFAD’s requested training support from decisions ultimately requiring action by relevant government and regulatory authorities. The association’s role is advocacy and industry representation, while official agencies retain their respective regulatory and approval responsibilities.
Topacio Emphasizes Compliance Alongside Athlete Support
Topacio has also emphasized lawful ownership, appropriate storage, proper handling, and regulatory compliance ahead of AFAD’s November exhibition. His position places the national-team training proposal within the association’s broader commitment to operating under established government requirements.
“Responsible gun ownership goes beyond simply possessing a firearm. It means understanding and complying with the law, ensuring proper storage and handling, and recognizing the responsibility that comes with owning one,” Topacio said.
Industry Analysis: AFAD’s Proposal Balances Support and Compliance
AFAD’s proposal follows measurable international results, with Philippine practical shooters winning four golds among eight medals at the SEA Games. Tecson’s earlier support appeal provides an independent athlete perspective that predates Topacio’s call for additional national-team training resources.
However, AFAD represents firearms and ammunition industry stakeholders rather than serving as Philippine shooting’s national sports governing body. Any training arrangement involving regulated ammunition therefore remains dependent on applicable laws, permits, government clearances, and decisions by responsible authorities.
Source Note: Daily Tribune reporting provides AFAD’s training proposal, Topacio’s quotations, government invitations, and regulatory conditions surrounding athlete support. Philippine News Agency and Manila Bulletin coverage provides official SEA Games results and Tecson’s independent appeal for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What support is AFAD seeking for Philippine shooters?
AFAD wants stronger training support, including adequate ammunition arrangements subject to applicable government permits, clearances, and regulatory safeguards.
How many practical shooting golds did the Philippines win?
Philippine practical shooters captured four individual gold medals and eight total medals during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Which Filipino practical shooters won SEA Games gold?
Rolly Nathaniel Tecson, Edcel John Gino, Erin Mattea Micor, and Genesis Pible each captured individual SEA Games championships.
When is AFAD’s Defense and Sporting Arms Show?
Part 3 of AFAD’s 32nd Defense and Sporting Arms Show runs November 18–22, 2026, at SM Megamall.
Does AFAD’s athlete proposal require government approval?
Yes, Topacio explicitly said proposed training arrangements must follow applicable regulations and obtain appropriate government clearances and permits.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Manila Bulletin.
