Phl Army shooting team wins 2 golds in Australia

Wednesday 23rd of May 2012

QUEZON CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army (PA) Shooting Team bagged two gold medals in the Australian Army Skills-at-Arms Meeting (AASAM) at Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria, Australia from May 1 to 21, 2012, the PA said in its press release.

The PA said the Philippine team emerged number seven among the 16 participating countries in this year’s competition. Specifically, the team earned two Gold, four Silver and nine Bronze medals.

Army spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc said it is another pride not only to the PA but also to the entire country.

“The team’s victory is another concrete manifestation of your Army’s dynamic nature. We do not only hold guns for bloody war but also for friendly battles,” he said.

The AASAM which started in 1984 at North Queensland Australia is an annual event open to international competitors. It is designed to enhance Army operational capability by means of a rigorous, challenging and combat focused skill at arms competition.

Several teams including ASEAN members, Japan, US Army and Marines, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, French Forces New Caledonia join Australian competitors marking a participation increase this year.

The Philippine Army Shooting Team started joining the competition in 2005.

Completing the 14-strong man shooting team are Lt. Col. Ricky P. Bunayog as Contingent Commander, Maj. Amelito G. Baa, Maj. Charlie C. Banaag, Staff Sgt. Jesustino B. Agod, Staff Sgt. Armando G. Mejia, Staff Sgt. Rudy M. Edas, Staff Sgt. Alan G. Lao, Staff Sgt. Willard B. Carrera, Staff Sgt. Jovemar M. Rapsing, Cpl. Rodney L. Rizano, Cpl. Angelo E. Bonagua, Pfc. Jumar B. Cenas, Pfc. Hader D. Hammara and Pfc. Rosalito A. Collado.

The team’s past victories in AASAM include bagging two Gold and four Silver medals in 2009 and eight Gold, 11 Silver and one Bronze medal in 2010. Likewise, they received the Perpetual Trophy for the Rifle Falling Plates Match also in 2010.

In the same year they have recorded the fastest time in the obstacle course race marking the fastest ever in the entire AASAM history. Additionally, they won the Meggit International Trophy for the Battle Simulation.

Similarly, collecting Gold medals becomes the team’s habit in other national as well as international shooting competitions hosted by foreign countries such as China and Australia. (PA/PIA-NCR/RJB/JRCA)