AUTHENTICATIONPH Shooters Score Gold in International Rifle Competition in Moscow
Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta (center) with the Philippine Rifle Shooting Team during their visit to the Philippine Embassy on 12 June 2017. To Ambassador Sorreta’s right is Team Leader Lt. Col. Isagani O Criste of the Philippine Army. Inset: The Philippine Team proudly display their medals and trophies. (Photo courtesy of M. F. D. Villapando)
22 June 2017 MOSCOW — The Philippine Rifle Team bested some of the top shooters in the world and won five gold medals at the First Rifle World Championships on June 05 to 10 at the Patriot Park in Moscow. LTC Isagani O. Criste, TSG Rodney L. Rizano, TSG Alan G. Lao, and SGT Ariel O. Taganait who competed in the Semi Auto Standard (Military) category; and Joe Guerrero, Jay Icasas, Ona Barcelona and Chito Garcia who competed in the Semi Auto Open (Civilian) category also won a number of silver and bronze medals as well as trophies.
Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta congratulated the Philippine Rifle Team when they called on him at the Philippine Embassy on June 12, saying “this outstanding performance highlights the fact that Philippine competitors in this sport are world class and this stellar achievement is something all Filipinos can be proud of.”
The Philippine Team described how tough the competition was given the caliber of the international participants as well as the shooters from the host country. The Team also said that they welled up with pride particularly when they swept some stages and were awarded the gold, silver and bronze medals. In congratulating the Philippine Team, Ambassador Sorreta said that their call on the Embassy on the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence was most apt as it brought to mind “those who came before us, who took up arms to fight for our independence.”
“The team brought great honor to our country and the Philippine National Anthem was played several times during the awarding ceremonies.” Ambassador Sorreta said.
The First Rifle World Championships was organized by the International Practical Shooters Confederation and its Russian Chapter. The Philippine Team were composed of shooters from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Practical Shooters Association. The rifles used were Russian designed.
For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph. END
OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
