ARMY shooters bagged four gold, six silver and four bronze medals in the recent 21st Asean Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) in Indonesia.
Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the Army’s Marksmanship Unit, said the Army contingent did well in the different categories and finished in the top three among the 10 competing countries.
“We fared well in the pistol, rifle, machine gun and carbine categories. We also won two perpetual trophies. Our hard work, especially during trainings, paid off. Once again, we have shown our capabilities to our fellow Armies in the Asean region,” he said.
Cpl. Rodney Rizano, a 10-year veteran of the AARM, was declared the best rifle shooter in the whole of the Asean region with two individual gold medals in the rifle category. He was also part of the team that clinched silver in rifle match 4. The rifle team also bagged a trophy for landing second in the overall team standings.
Sgt. Allan Lao, another veteran marksman, was adjudged as the second best among the 100-strong rifle shooters, who saw action in the event held from October 8 to 27. Sgt. Williard Carrera, a six-year veteran in the pistol matches, captured silver and bronze. PFC Jumar Cenas added two bronze medals in the carbine match.
Bunayog said the machine gun team placed second in the machine gun falling plates event, bringing home four silver medals.
“Despite being deprived of two more gold medals, the PA Shooting Team did very well as we were able to retain the two Perpetual Trophies we won last year in Malaysia. Our teams have, likewise, significantly improved in many events and had been consistent contenders throughout the tournament. We hope to continue with our present training program and do better in next year’s competition in Brunei Darussalam,” Bunayog said.
The Army team won the overall championship in 2005 in Brunei Darussalam.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz commended the soldiers for showing their worth during the competition.
“Marksmanship is one of the most important skills of an Army soldier. As champion shooters, you must impart this skill to the other soldiers in the field,” he said.
Ortiz reminded the soldiers about the bravery of their fallen comrades in the encounters in Basilan Island.
“We will dedicate this achievement in honor of our fallen soldiers who offered the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation,” he said.
(Rene Acosta)
