PPSA honors ace Pinoy shooters

The Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) yesterday honored some of the country’s best practical sport shooting athletes who emerged champions in a recently-concluded international shooting competition in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Pinoy ace shooter Jeufro "Jag" Lejano, who is now tagged the first Filipino to be declared champion of the International Practical Shooting Conferedation’s (IPSC) World Shooting Championship held every three years, was awarded a ring as symbol of his outstanding achievement.

His teammates in the modified division — Nelson Uygongco who ranked third, Lyndon Biraogo (fifth), and Joseph Sy (sixth) —  also received PPSA commemorative medals.

Danny Torevillas, world champion in the Senior Category of the Production Division, is the first ever Filipino to win an individual award in the Production Division level.

Twenty-four Filipino practical shooters joined the international competition under five categories — Standard, Open, Modified, Production, and Revolver.

PPSA chairman Chito Canteras said yesterday’s "Gabi ng Parangal" was the PPSA’s way of paying tribute to the country’s best shooters who continue to bring honor to the country.

Joining Lejano and PPSA president Rommel Cabungcal in a press briefing at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City, Canteras said practical shooting is a sport which Filipinos are starting to love and enjoy.

Lejano, 27, said the competition was tough and he had some problems with his gun during the five-day event but he nevertheless emerged victorious.

Canteras and Cabungcal said practical shooting is all about blending accuracy, power, and speed into a winning combination.

Lejano said training was also tough and even included some weightlifting. He had been shooting since he was 12."

Congressman Juan Ponce Ennrile Jr., IPSC regional director for the Philippine Region, said the PPSA’s "Gabi ng Parangal" is a way of thanking Filipino shooters.

"This year’s world shoot campaign is a milestone in the efforts of the PPSA to gain honor and recognition for the country," he said.

"Not only have our Filipino shooters retained top team honors in the Modified Division — for the first time in the history of the PPSA, a Filipino shooter has emerged world shoot champion," he added.

Action star Eddie Garcia was among those who congratulated Lejano and the rest of the Philippine team. Canteras said the PPSA will continue to promote the sport of practical shooting and campaign for responsible gun use and ownership. — Michael Punongbayan