A test of proficiency, competency of police officers

CEBU, Philippines —  More than fostering fellowship and camaraderie among police officers in the region, the RD PRO-7 shootfest is also a test of  their proficiency and competence in their sworn duty as law enforcers and protector of the people.

This message was spotlighted by Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Visayas Director BGen Ronnie Montejo during the formal opening of the five-day tilt last Wednesday at the Cebu Wonderland Shooters Club firing range in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City.

“Through this undertaking, we will be able to meet and rekindle friendships with our colleagues from the different police units. This is a time to reconnect and revive the spirit of competitiveness among colleagues,” Montejo said.

Aside from sharpening their marksmanship, Montejo emphasized that the competition also serves as a yardstick in measuring the skills and prowess of those in their ranks.

“Proficiency and competence in shooting are two things  that should go together in order to successfully defend a person against aggression and violence from criminals,” Montejo said. “This can only be attained if one engages in constant training  and practice. That’s why we are gathered together in this competition to test our capabilities.”

“This is a good venue to hone our skills in firing while maintaining the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie and the police officers and civilian gun enthusiasts,” he added. “Let us play and compete in the spirit of sportsmanship with the purpose of perfecting our shooting capability.”

Montejo hopes that through this endeavor, they will be able to identify their strengths as well as the areas that need to further enhance as part of their main responsibility to serve and protect.

“Holding activities such as this will encourage everyone to do better in their firing and shooting skills as well as develop marksmanship in the police force,” Montejo furthered. “After this shootfest, we will come out better shooters and will learn the lessons on what to improve with our skills as police officers and gun enthusiasts.”

Staged in partnership with the Cebu Central  Eagles Club (CCEC) behind the efforts of the club’s comelec chair, DPWH-7 assistant director Engr. Mario Montejo, sports committee head Engr. Jerry Maratas, and president John Rey Saavedra, the RD PRO-7 Proficiency Cup that will run until Sunday is participated in by close to 1,000 police and law enforcement officers with guest shooters from the judiciary, armed forces and private sector.