Aquino to lead generals’ shoot fest

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III will lead an annual shoot fest among military and police generals on Saturday.

Aquino is a known gun enthusiast and is regularly joining shooting competitions. Last year, he was the champion in the executive category at the “Games of the Generals 2013” held at Camp Crame.

“General Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and personnel from other agencies of the government will converge at the Philippine Army headquarters on February 1 to compete in the yearly Games of the Generals,” Army spokesperson Captain Anthony Bacus said in a statement.

This year’s host will be the Philippine Army. Bacus said it would also be a fitting tribute to Army chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes w, ho is retiring on February 7, Friday. No word has been said on his replacement.

Bacus described Coballes as one of those “shooting generals” who always emerged as champion in shooting competitions.

The “Games of the Generals” is a regular event among the general officers, and its equivalent rank to other government agencies, “which aims to strengthen the bond, foster camaraderie and esprit d’ corps among the competing government agencies; and to promote excellence in pistol marksmanship among the uniformed personnel and their counterpart.”

This year’s event is dubbed as “The Ultimate Shooting Challenge.” It will be participated by the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, General Headquarters, Department of National Defense, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Presidential Security Group.