28 August 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Philippine National Benchrest Team comprised of the country’s top benchrest shooters won six silver medals at the 2013 Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation (WRABF) European and World Cup Championship at the Plzen Shooting Range in Plzen, Czech Republic from August 3 to 15.
The Philippines garnered six silver medals won by the Heavy Varmin Team of Bernie Paras Gan, Louie Gonzales, and Randy Paronda in the 25 meters rimfire while the Sporter Team of Dondi Santos, Marlon Palmario, and Felino Neri won silver medals in the 50-meter rimfire event.
The Philippine delegation was led by Chef de Mission Richard T. Fernandez, Team Statistician Mariano Manuel N. Cacho III, Team Captain Tony Olbes, Co-captain Enchong Formoso, Team Coach Randy Paronda, and Gun Smith and Athlete Ronaldo T. Hejastro.
The Embassy’s Chargé d’affairés, a.i., Consul and First Secretary Juan E. Dayang, Jr., who attended both the opening ceremony and the awarding ceremony of in Plzen said that “although this is the first time that the Philippine team joined the World Cup, Filipinos must be proud of the Philippine benchrest shooting team’s excellent showing in the shooting matches. He added that the Philippine team earned the respect of powerhouse international benchrest shooters through their hard work, dedication and sportsmanship.
Participating countries include Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, and Venezuela. According to organizers, the WRABF Championship, held every four years, is the biggest so far with over 130 registered competitors.
The 19-member team consists of Josefino Alvero, Eleuterio Canivel, Jose Maria Esteban, Augusto Estrada, Lorenzo Formoso, Augusto Gan, Bernadette Gan, Luis Gonzales, Edwin Jeremillo, Frumencio Lagustan, Eugene Manalastas, Jimmy Maniwang, Felino Neti, Antonio Olbes, Marlino Palmario, Randy Paronda, Maria Blanca Parsons, Francis Purez, and Paulo Santos. END