Elections here in the Philippines is also a very good time for gun smiths to make money. And as of now some gun maker in Danao City busies themselves of the unending orders that rises up in preparation for the elections.
One gun maker says that, "There's actually huge demand for guns, especially now and because of the elections next year,"
"We are actually having some difficulty in keeping up with the orders because it usually takes at least two weeks to make one .45 calibre pistol, even if I work 16 hours a day," he said.
This has been a known fact in the city of Danao and has more or less been the source of livelihood by some of the settlers in the area. Though you can't easily find them since as we mentioned this is an illegal business and it is mandated by law that only licensed firearms are allowed.
One gun maker even mentions that ever since they were born they were already sorrounded with guns. It has been a source of income by their father and fore fathers and themselves.
"We grew up making guns." says gun maker.
It appears that guns is a part of every Filipino ever since the World War 2 ended.
With the history of Mindanao as well and the unending battle they have with Abu sayyaf it is not worrisome that even civilians allow themselves to know the basics of using a gun to protect themselves. With the Ampatuan Massacre that lost a lot of lives even until now no justice has been done to the families and those who have died.
This may be a weaken part of Philippine life but it is still us who will make our own way into creating a fruitful and meaningful life.
