THE most comprehensive defense, security and survival show in the Philippines, The Tactical, Survival & Arms (TACS) Expo 2018 was in Cebu for the first time last June 15 to 18 at the Cebu Trade Hall of SM City Cebu. With the theme “Defense, Security and Survival for Sustainable Living,” the show aimed at arming everyone with the equipment, knowledge and skills to handle various situations that threaten an individual’s security.

TACS Expo Cebu followed TACS Expo Manila Part 1 which was held last Feb. 22 to 25 in the SMC Convention Center Aura at Bonifacio Global City. TACS Expo Manila Part 2 will be held on Nov. 8 to 11 at the same venue.

The TACS Expo Cebu 2018 was organized by Armscor Global Defense Inc. in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Office of Civil Defense and companies in the security and defense industry.

“It is high time that a unique show such as this be held in the country. TACS Expo 2018, which focuses on the involvement of various manufacturers and their representatives, will be an avenue to reach out to everyone and create awareness on how to prepare for emergency and life threatening situations,” said Severo “Conkoy” Tuason, the chairman of the board of Armscor.

Over 20 exhibitors displayed their merchandise which included firearms, tactical and outdoor gear, ammunition, medical equipment, rifle scopes, military accessories, ammo reloading components, knives and more. To add to that was the booth by the PNP which allowed people to process their respective License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF), a requirement before one is allowed to buy firearms and ammunition.

A series of lectures was also conducted during the event which included “Improvised Rescue Techniques Using Common Household Materials” by Joebert Tolentino of the Disaster and Emergency Responders International–Community Emergency Response Team, “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.