NV gov tells Atienza: ‘I’m in control of my senses’ By CHARLIE C. LAGASCA BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – “I am not senseless with what I am doing.” This is what an obviously irate Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma said yesterday (10 May) in answer to statements of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza telling her to “come to her senses” and not to persist in moves to stop a foreign mining firm from operating here. Meanwhile, the talks between the provincial government and environment officials led by Mines and Geosciences Bureau national director Horacio Ramos have failed, as the provincial government refused to withdraw its cease and desist order until Australian firm Oceana Gold Philippines settles its quarrying fees due this province. The national government contracted Oceana Gold for the multibillion Didipio Gold-Copper Project in Kasibu town here, which is Cagayan Valley’s first large-scale mining venture, and so far one of the two projects approved by the government since the enactment of the

YOUNGEST MARKSMAN. Twelve-year-old Johnsis Mercado, champion junior category, receives his trophy for marksmanship from range officer Jun Gonzaga and Loriel Mamaclay, president of Metro-Santiago Practical Shooters Association of the host town. Mercado, son of Councilor Nero Mercado of Cabanatuan City, was the youngest participant in the recent Pataradday Unity Cup 2008, part of the Pataradday Festival which culminated last Monday (May 5). The said shootfest held at Barangay Baluarte, Santiago City, was participated in not only by civilian gun owners but also members of the police force and other law enforcement officials in the northern part of the country. FRANCIS C. HIDALGO JR.

WINNERS. The winners of the Pataradday Unity Cup 2008, part of the ongoing Pataradday Festival in Santiago City which closes last Monday (May 5), show their trophies. The shootfest was conducted to enhance responsible gun ownership. Standing from left: June Cardenas of Team PB Dionisio Gun Club NCR, overall ranges master, 1st Pataradday Unity Cup 2008; Vice Mayor Marius Garcia of Cabanatuan City, champion, mason category and 9th placer overall, of Nueva Ecija Practical Shooters Association; and Loriel Mamaclay, president of the Metro-Santiago Practical Shooters Association. FRANCIS C. HIDALGO JR.