January 18, 2008
Director Mundita S. Lim, DVM
Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau
Deaprtment of Environment and Natural Resources
Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Dear Director Lim,
We thank you for the invitation to a meeting this afternoon.
Unfortunately, due to previously set appointment, we are unable
to attend.
Allow us however to clarify that the Philippine National Shooting
Association, unlike perhaps other shooting association does
not include hunting as part of its program or activities.
The primary mission of our Association, an affiliated member
of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the International
Shooting Sport Federation, is to promote target shooting as
a wholesome sport. Our rifle and shotgun events are in fact
substitute activities to hunting.
It is unfortunate that the Philippine National Shooting Association,
has been dragged into the issue of bird hunting and wildlife
protection because of media reference to certain hunters being
members of our Association.
We enclose a copy of the statement issued by the members of
our Association who were referred to, explaining their involvement
in the issue.
As an affirmative action, we shall remind our members to be
aware and mindful of the need to protect our wildlife and
environment, as responsible gun owners and citizens.
Very truly yours,
Arturo R. Macapagal
President
Statement from Tet Lara, Jade and Mike
de Guzman
The pictures in question were taken from a defunct spoof website
from last year. It was not meant to be viewed seriously as
it clearly stated "there was an expedition with Kumander
Robot in Abu Sayyaf Territory", which is obviously fake.
These photos are being circulated, not by us, but by some
unknown group or groups wanting to blame the decline of bird
population on someone.
We never stated that we shot the birds - the birds were already
dead upon our arrival. Its true that dead birds and people
posing with shotguns were in the same picture, and does not
look good. Admittedly, this was a poor judgment call.
However, to say that the Philippine Team shot down near-endangered
birds by merely looking at these photos, is jumping to conclusions.
Again, we want to apologize to those offended by the bad-taste
photos and the portrayal of the > misconcepcion that its
OK to shoot philippine ducks. It is NOT OK. We wish to promote
our CLAY SHOOTING sport as an alternative to shooting birds,
since it is clearly illegal in the Philippines. |
