Army shooters bag 4 golds

MANILA, Philippines - A 42-member Philippine Army contingent displayed their medals and trophies when they arrived yesterday in Manila after competing in the 21st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Armies Meet (AARM) held last Oct. 8 to 27 in Indonesia.

The team bagged four gold, six silver and four bronze medals in different shooting categories. The team finished second overall among 10 competing countries.

Army Corporal Rodney Rizano was declared as the Best Rifle Shooter in the ASEAN region after he won two individual gold medals in the rifle category.

Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayog said the boys fared well in the pistol, rifle, machine gun, and carbine categories and they won two trophies.

He said the team’s hard work, especially during training, paid off.

Veteran shooter Sgt. Allan Lao was also adjudged second best among the 100-strong rifle shooters, Bunayog said.

Sgt. Williard Carrera bagged one silver and one bronze in the pistol matches while Pfc. Jumar Cenas bagged two bronze medals in the carbine match.

The machinegun team also placed second in the team category, winning 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,” Bunayog added.

“We are hoping we will continue with our present training program and do better in next year’s competition in Brunei Darussalam.”

Lt. General Arturo Ortiz commended the Army soldiers for showing their worth in the competition as he reminded the soldiers of the bravery of their fallen comrades in the recent tragic encounters in Basilan.

“We will dedicate this achievement in honor of our fallen soldiers who offered the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation,” Ortiz added.