Photo Credits : 88IB

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Military troopers of the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army maintain their shooting skills as they fired their issued firearms in their Unit Firing Range at Barangay Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon, today.

In the scheduled Annual Marksmanship of the unit, the “Dependable” troopers fired different kinds of issued weapons as they try to hit their target with limited time.

They were tested with their capability to hit targets while in different positions to include kneeling/sitting, standing and prone positions varying with different distances.

Their endurance in bad weather were also tested if they can still aim and hit targets in any given weather condition.

Private First Class Leopoldo Legarde said in his statement after firing his R4A3 Carbine rifle, “My shooting skill keeps on improving as I keep on focusing in my practice, I can hit the target in any position and I know the adjustment I will do in varying distance.”

When asked by his team leader if he is ready to destroy the enemy of the state, he said in no hesitation, “I am always ready and available to serve and protect our community against the CPP-NPA terrorists.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, the commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion said that “we can’t deploy unprepared troops in the battle ground, as their commander I always ensure their preparations before going into battle.”

He also emphasized the importance of practice, “There is no other preparation to win a battle but to keep on practicing.”

The 8th Infantry Battalion is serious in ending the insurgency in the Municipalities of Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Impasugong, Cabanglasan and Malaybalay City, all belong to the province of Bukidnon and calling for the continuous participation of every individual to continue report the presence of any threat group in the area to the security forces. (1LTCABBIGAT)