Noy to attend ‘Games of the Generals’ shoot fest today

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will attend today the “Games of the Generals” shooting competition in Fort Bonifacio that will also serve as a tribute to retiring Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes.

Dubbed as “The Ultimate Shooting Challenge,” the Army will host the annual shooting competition.

The event is expected to provide Aquino, a shooting enthusiast, uniformed and civilian officials the opportunity to showcase their marksmanship.

“The Philippine Army’s hosting of the event is very timely as this will be the last time Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes will be participating in the competition as an active member of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” Army spokesman Capt. Anthony Bacus said.

“This is also a fitting tribute to Lt. Gen. Coballes, who will be retiring from the military service on Feb. 7,” he added.

Military sources said that among the strong contenders for the Army chief post are Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, 7th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, and 4th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier confirmed that he has forwarded the shortlist of officers who are qualified to be the next chief of the 80,000-strong Army.

The Games of the Generals seeks to strengthen camaraderie among shooters from the military, police and other government agencies.

It also aims “to promote excellence in pistol marksmanship among the uniformed personnel and their counterparts.”

Representatives from the Army, Air Force, Navy, General Headquarters, Department of National Defense, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Presidential Security Group are expected to join the competition.