Jun Torres

Only 60 0f 733 Ecija cops pass marksmanship course

Only 60 – or eight percent – pf 733 Nueva Ecija policemen have passed the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) marksmanship training required by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In his directive, PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. required the 115,ooo-strong PNP rank-in-file to “learn how to shoot their service firearms” so they can outshoot criminals.

In consonance with Razon’s directive, the Nueva Ecija police force has conducted the IDPA pistol course since February and 733 of its total 1,450 officers and men have so far undergone it.

As of yesterday (May 11), Senior Superintendent Napoleon Taas, provincial police director, was adjudged an expert for blazing the 45-round IDPA course flawlessly.

Taas brought the house down in the final stage when he shot three rounds at a target (two in the body and one in the head) with a time of 1.71 seconds

All in all, Taas garnered an aggregate score of 54.07 seconds, which placed him in the expert category.

Joining Taas as experts were PO3 Remigio Sabado Jr. with a score of 55.06; and SPO2 Ernesto Espino Jr., 59.13.

The sharpshooters were PO3 Freddie Cunanan for scoring 65.03; PO3 Rodel Maniaol, 66.03; and PO3 Orlando Villanueva, 71.59, while the marksmen were PO2 Antonio Otic Jr. and PO1 Elmer Culala, with scores of 77.79 and 79.14, respectively.

Taas said the IDPA course will continue until all Nueva Ecija policemen have undergone it.

Those who fail to pass will undergo mandatory training, as required under Razon’s directive, until such time they pass the IDPA course.

As a incentive, Taas is offering a handgun as prize to any of his men who would beat his aggregate score.

He said his men are now holding shooting practices on weekends in a bid to beat him.

Taas thanked Gov. Aurelio Umali for shouldering the cost of 65,000 bullets for the IDPA course.