Marines to showcase shooting skills in PNSA event

MANILA, Philippines – Doing their share in promoting the sport, crack shooters from the Philippine Marine Corps will showcase their skills in the 2011 Sniper Shooting Competition starting on Sunday (Aug. 21) at the Taytay Tactical Rifle Range in Rizal.

Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) executive director Larry Paredes said the Marines Corps, led by its Commandant, Major Gen. Rustico Guerrero, has agreed to come up with a demonstration to highlight the four-day event.

Some members of the Marine Corps will also see action as guest participants, among them Randy Paronda, Galahad Vicencio, Mark Tan, Louie Gonzales and Jun Magno.   Sony Alonso, Boy Banaag, Cris Reyes and Nino Aspe are the fancied bets in the standard division.

PNSA president and Harbour Centre CEO Mikee Romero stressed the importance of the Marines’ participation, saying that it will also challenge the other shooters.

“I am thankful to Maj. Gen. Guerrero for allowing his elite unit to demonstrate their skills and some of them to take part in our event,” said Romero. “This is one step to attract more shooters.”

Tournament director Boy Banaag will start with the small bore rifle (.22) on Sunday while the proficiency demonstration of the Marine Corps and the competition in the centerpiece .223 (high-powered rifle) are scheduled on Aug. 26 to 28.

The Marines have produced the likes of Southeast Asian Games champions  Bartolome Teyab and Julius Valdez.

For inquiries, call Lanie Halili at 0927-5899133.