DAVAO CITY – Sen. Ronald dela Rosa reiterated his steadfast support for responsible gun ownership and resilience amid political and environmental challenges as he led the opening of the 25th Tactical, Survival, and Arms Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang here on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Dela Rosa congratulated Armscor Philippines for organizing the landmark 25th edition of the annual event, calling it the community's celebration of innovation, marksmanship, discipline, and responsibility.

He emphasized that firearm ownership is not the enemy of public safety.

"Many people still associate gun ownership with danger and fear," he said. "But when they look closely at this expo and the community we had built, they will see that responsible firearm ownership is not an enemy of public safety, it is its partner."

His remarks came weeks after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vetoed his proposed amendment to the Firearms Law. Despite a setback and his recent removal as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Dela Rosa said he remains undeterred.

"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. They may veto the proposals, but my commitment would never waver," Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said that his advocacy for the rights of responsible gun owners goes beyond political appointments or legislative hurdles. He said the people are bound to realize that responsible gun ownership makes all the difference.

Gina G. Marie Angangco, senior executive vice president and deputy chief executive officer of Armscor Global Defense, highlighted the four-day expo's theme of preparedness in recent natural disasters.

“In the past weeks, we've witnessed earthquakes, typhoons, and floods," Angangco said. "These aren't just news stories, they're reminders that disasters can strike anytime. That's why we're here: To prepare ourselves with equipment, skills, resilience, and readiness."

Davao City Police Office acting chief Police Col. Mannan Caracas Muarip backed the event that he described as a key platform to promote public awareness on security preparedness and responsible firearm ownership.

Muarip said the office's involvement in the expo reflects their steadfast commitment to protecting lives, maintaining order, and promoting a culture of discipline and vigilance. He cited their Discipline, Action, Virtue, Accountability, and Order Policing Framework in the city.

"With initiatives such as this, the Davao City Police Office continues to stand as a pillar of peace, partnership, and preparedness, ensuring that Davao City remains one of the country's safest and most progressive cities," Muarip said.

The event from Oct. 16 to 19 showcases firearms, tactical gear, and survival tools, along with on-site services for firearm licensing and safety training.

The expo has become a national platform for promoting responsible firearm use, public safety, and resilience, values that Dela Rosa said will remain "right on target" in his advocacy moving forward.