A newly-formed multi-sectoral coalition of pro-gun advocates on Tuesday laid out eight-point manifesto aimed at blocking attempts by authorities to deprive them of their right to defend themselves and their family with the proposed implementation of a permanent gun ban policy.

Calling their group as “A2S5 Coalition”, representatives of the broad multi-sectoral group also vowed to take legal offensives against the proposed permanent gun ban.

“This has gone too far. We are now saying that enough is enough,” A2S5 Coalition spokesman Lawyer Raul Reyes during their group’s launch event at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

In emphasizing that they are responsible gun owners who met the stringent screening process of the Philippine National Police to be able to own and carry firearms, Reyes said the government has yet to prove itself that it can provide adequate protection for its citizenry before considering the implementation of a permanent gun ban.

Composed of members of the judiciary, lawyers, media men, environmentalists, gun dealers, businessmen and private individuals, the A2S5 Coalition was formed for them to have a “common voice” on airing their side in the forthcoming National Firearms Control Summit II on Friday (June 4) to be held at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Director General Jesus A. Verzosa, PNP chief, said that they will invite various stakeholders to attend in the Firearms Control Summit to be able get to their inputs on the issue of possible permanent implementation of gun ban.

The coalitions name was derived from Article 2, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution that gives every Filipino the right to defend himself.