Rifle group on target

MANILA, Philippines - The group of rifle shooters in the country got a big shot in the arm following the recent staging of the first ever Sniper Shooting competition at Taytay Tactical Rifle Range in Rizal.

The four-day event, divided into categories of master, expert, sharpshooter, and marksman and tyro, has drawn the biggest gathering of riflemen in the country.

The rifle groups of small bore .22 and big bore .223 from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the fastest growing group of shooters in the country today, came in droves to compete in the event.

“Rifle group is, indeed, the fastest growing shooting group in the country now,” said Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) president Mikee Romero.

“I’m thanking everybody for their all-out support. The event was a huge success.”

Veteran sniper instructor Randy Poronda topped three of four events he competed IN to lead the event’s winners.

Poronda shared the limelight with Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief Lieutenant Major General Roland Detabali (Army), winner of the sharpshooter division in the side event pitting Army versus Marines, which Major General Guerrero led behind a 200-strong marine sniper corps.

“We assured you of our full support and promotion to our sport,” said Detabali, who likewise extolled the PNSA staff, led by PNSA Sec-Gen Col. Nil Gamboa and Erick Arejola, for its “excellent hosting and preparation”.

Taytay Mayor and event’s host Joric Gacula also lauded Romero for making shooting “alive and promising”, saying it will certainly make the sport more dynamic.

Making the event special was the first-of-its-kind demonstration held by the Marines, highlighted by a 50 caliber barret gun firing.

Others winners in the event were Army’s Allan Lao (Master Rifleman semi-auto standard division and AFP semi-auto standard category), music director Luis Gonzales (senior semi-auto open category and  senior semi-auto standard category), Jolito Estrada (Expert Rifleman semi-auto standard), Ramon Garcia (Sharpshooter semi-auto open), Jun Bacud (Sharpshooter semi-auto standard), Renaldo Rivera (Marksman semi-auto standard), PNP’s Ruther Saquilayan (semi-auto open) and Benjie Repedro (semi-auto standard) and Stephen Encarnacion (semi-auto open division).

The other small bore rifle winners were  Oliver Jameiro (Sharpshooter Semi-Auto), Eli Canivel (Sharpshooter Bolt Action), Dennis Melchor (Marksman Semi-Auto), Kyle Carigo (Marksman Bolt Action) and Luis Gonzales (Seniors).