PH Shooting Team stamps mark in World Shootfest in Finland

On Aug 19, 2025

A smiling Mac Cruz wearing the three medals he won at the World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation (WRABF) World Cup 2025, held in Oulu, Finland (photo credit: Usec. Gilbert Cruz).

THE Philippine Benchrest Shooting Team brought home six medals, including one gold and five bronze, from the World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation (WRABF) World Cup 2025, held from August 6 to 16 at the Ruutikangas Range in Oulu, Finland.

Rising Philippine junior shooter, Miguel Archangel M. Cruz, son of Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, Executive Director, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), spearheaded the Philippine campaign that pitted them against the participants coming from 28 other countries.

Proud father and proud to be a Filipino. PAOCC Executive Director Usec. Gilbert Cruz, smilingly proudly besides his son, Mac Cruz and the other members of the Philippine delegation (photo credit to Usec. Gilbert Cruz).

The young Cruz led the charge, capturing a gold medal in the World Light Air Rifle (Junior Division) shootout and a bronze medal in both the World Light Rimfire and World Heavy Rimfire Rifle (Junior) Divisions.

Despite the tough competition, the Philippine team achieved an impressive 3rd place in the Team Overalls, led by the outstanding performances of Cruz, Ronald B. Robles and Celedonio S. Tayao.

The Philippine delegation was composed of Ronald B. Robles, Jimmy T. Maniwang, Miguel Archangel M. Cruz, Ramon I. Diaz Jr., Celedonio S. Tayao, Richard C. Cases, Jose Maria Esteban, Vincent Troy G. Monte, Rosinee C. Monte, Valentin Miguel N. Lopez, and Rafael Cruz Jr.

They were led by Delia M. Quidato and guided by Coach Maria Marcia M. Cleofas, with the unwavering support of family members, Usec. Cruz, Nathan Troy C. Monte, and Rosinee C. Monte.

The team is set to return to the Philippines on Tuesday, August 19.