By Gina Tabonares
Variety News Staff

A MAN who spent 19 years in a federal detention facility in Hawaii asks the court not to bring him back to Guam.
Saying that going back to Guam would mean going back to his old criminal life, John G. Manibusan asked the District Court of Guam in a letter not to bring him back to the island and allow him to start his new life in Hawaii.
Manibusan, who now works as a janitor in a Honolulu coffee house, admitted that prior to his 19 years of imprisonment, he had an extensive criminal record.
“During my imprisonment, I vowed never to go back to my old ways and have sincerely attempted to change my life…I have no desire to return to Guam as I realize how easy it will be for me to return to my old criminal life,” Manibusan declared.
His request was supported by his boss, Kenton Tom, who told the court that the former inmate is one of his trusted and devoted workers, saying that he believed the former felon is trying to sincerely change his life.
Manibusan pleaded guilty to the charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin, which he committed in 1987.
The 48-year-old defendant was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment on March 16, 1990.
Manibusan told the court that since his release, he attends church services and volunteers to help the homeless in Hawaii.
He added that he is currently working on obtaining a permanent residency and wants to start saving some money.
Manibusan is asking the court to amend his sentencing report and make appropriate recommendation to affect his petition.
The court has not decided whether to grant Manibusan’s request.