First ever shoot fest slated in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- The Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 (MBLT-5) and the municipal government in Maimbung, Sulu, is holding a first-ever shootfest in the province of Sulu aimed at advocating responsible gun ownership.

MBLT-5 chief Lt. Col. Ferdinand Fraginal said on Monday that the shootfest, dubbed as Mayor's Cup Practical Shooting Competition, a Level 1 Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA)-sanctioned match, will be held on October 18 at the Buhanginan Firing Range in the town of Patikul.

The firing range is located within the headquarters of MBLT-5, which is under the 3rd Marine Brigade, headed by Col. Eugenio Clemen.

Fraginal said there will be four challenging stages consisting of 97 rounds with participants coming from Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City as well as from Sulu province.

Fraginal, who is the chairman of the organizing committee, said that the shoot fest aims to advocate responsible gun ownership, develop amity among shooting enthusiasts, and promote practical shooting as a sport.

"I am optimistic that this occasion will bring a positive definition to shooting in this province, which is fun, entertainment and fellowship. Who knows, this may usher Sulu into the center of Philippine shooting," Fraginal said.

He said the event is open to all interested parties.

Registration fee is P300 for the military and police, P500 for regular shooters, P700 for executive participants, while P1,000 for team registration.