TACS 2018: Not Your Average Gun Show

More than just showcasing the latest firearms, the Tactical, Survival and Arms Expo (TACS) 2018 taught citizens survival tips that may prove useful in saving lives.

The expo came at a judicious time. With the Philippines located inside the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire,” which is an area notorious for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Not only that, the country’s proximity to the Pacific region also meant that it is constantly battered by typhoons and tropical cyclones that bring forth torrential rains and strong winds that threaten the health and home.

Aside from natural disasters, there’s also always the danger of crime and lawless elements. Although Cebu was ranked as the eighth safest city in Southeast Asia, one can never be too sure when it comes to the protection of loved ones.

This is where the TACS 2018 stepped in. The expo sought to arm citizens, not just with firearms and other relevant equipment but more so with the right information to best deal with unfavorable situations the moment they arise.

Organized by the Armscor Global Defense Corporation in cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of National Defense (DND), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and those in the security and defense industry, the TACS 2018 was in Cebu over the weekend at the Cebu Trade Hall of the SM City Cebu.

Opening the event was Chief of the Philippine National Police, Police Director General Oscar Albayalde.

With the theme “Defense, Security, and Survival for Sustainable Living,” the TACS 2018 put on display survival equipment and sustainability solutions that are relevant in times of calamities and disasters that compromise basic utilities such as electricity and water.

Seen on display were various outdoor and survival equipment such as emergency lighting, thermal blankets, security systems and safety equipment.

Tactical equipment, firearms, and ammunition were also exhibited and placed on sale at TACS 2018.

Some of the exhibitors that joined in were Armscor Global Defense, Inc., Alpha Zero Manufacturing, Armscor Shooting Center, Inc., Camp Red Bushcraft & Survival, Forged, Lifecare Tech Inc., Preppers Point Trading and QBC Sporting Supplies just to name a few.

With the aim of sharing knowledge and skills to help people best deal with hazardous situations, the TACS 2018 organized lectures of different subjects involving security, defense, and survival conducted by experts.

These included “Improvised Rescue Techniques Using Common Household Materials” by Joebert Tolentino of the Disaster and Emergency Responders International - Community Emergency Response Team (DERIN-CERT), “Ready 101: Family Preparedness” by Emergency Management Consultant, Martin Aguda and “Bleeding Control Using Hemostatic Agents” by Benedict de Borja of the Pateros Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire and Rescue Brigade, Inc.



(Jonas Panerio)