Fitial snubs Manglona’s request
- Details
- Published on Saturday, August 11, 2012 07:28
- Written by By Emmanuel T. Erediano - Reporter
- Hits: 3627
GOVERNOR Benigno R. Fitial will not respond to the letter of Senate President Paul A. Manglona who wants to know why Department of Public Safety and Commonwealth Ports Authority officers escorted Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham to the airport last weekend despite the charges filed against the AG.
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| Benigno Fitial |
Fitial at the same time said he wants Buckingham back on island and reiterated that the AG has rescinded his resignation, which was supposed to take effect 30 days after Aug. 3.
“When I last talked to him, yes he said he wants to come back. I want him back,” Fitial said.
In a telephone interview, Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, said he respects the governor’s decision, but added that the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation will conduct its own investigation and seek answers from DPS and CPA.
“I don’t think the people are taking this issue lightly,” Mangona said.
“Just because one is an AG, a governor or any other elected official, does not mean he or she has more privileges…. It just does not seem right for [police officers to be] protecting the AG from penal summons,” he said.
The Senate, he added, is also concerned about how DPS officers treated KSPN reporter Tina Sablan and Office of the Public Auditor investigators at the airport.
The officers prevented Sablan from approaching Buckingham while OPA investigators had to ask the Federal Bureau of Investigation to serve the summons to the AG.
Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation Chairman Frank Q. Cruz, R-Tinian, has asked DPS acting Commissioner Aniceto Ogumoro and CPA Executive Director Edward Deleon Guerrero to explain why uniformed police officers had to escort Buckingham to the airport’s departure area.
“The committee believes that it is in the public’s best interest to clarify the events that occurred in the early morning of Aug. 4, 2012 and to justify your personnel actions,” Cruz said in his letter.
A former Tinian policeman, Cruz told Ogumoro that he, the acting commissioner, should “initiate a full internal investigation of the events and whether all involved police officers committed criminal acts or violated any department rules and regulations.
It was Ogumoro’s brother, Deputy Commissioner Ambrosio Ogumoro, who led the team of DPS escorts and was seen and heard on KSPN video footage telling his men that he wanted Tina Sablan “out of here.”
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Comments
You are a howl, Osama... This one really did bring a smile to my face. Yep, those honor guards sure do like to keep the press away.. "Get her out of here" one Fitial goon said before pushing Tina around... "honor guard",,,, That is rich......
Just to be clear... There is not an ounce of 'honor' in all 800 pounds of them. And, less in those who beat up on Tina.
So keep scamm'n there, Obama... it sheds even more light on the scam this administration is.
Apparently, you never saw the video of the thugs in police uniforms. Watch it sometime and see what bullies do. The AG is not a cop; he is an officer of the court and an attorney. Tina didn't spin anything; she reported what happened. The small group you refer to are people of decency who are outraged at the abuses that happen here as a matter of course. If you want to defend a group of arrogant and ignorant bullies, that's your prerogative. There are still some decent people here. Too bad you are not one of them.
I'm not sure what GOP/victery gathering on Rota you went to, but I went to the gathering last night and there sure wasn't 1,000 supporters... more like 100. I was there because of my support for Terry. I commend Terry for standing her ground and refusing to make a speech. Even her chairman Michael Manglona refused to make a speech. What's more is that Terry left early because she does not support Demapan's candidacy. She is full-on supporting Kilili. This is why I support her. Biba Kilili. Biba Terry.
“Just because one is an AG, a governor or any other elected official, does not mean he or she has more privileges…. It just does not seem right for [police officers to be] protecting the AG from penal summons,” he said. My question: SO WHAT ARE YOU, AS LEGISLATORS (third branch of the government) GOING TO DO ABOUT IT???? As Zaldy would say, "grow a pair..!!!!!"
I read where they're asking the DPS and CPA to investigate the part the police officers played in preventing the OPA to serve the summons to Buckigham. SAY WHAT????? and you really believe an honest investigation will be done???? HELL...OOOOO!! The top officials in these dept. and agency were involved, and you're going to have them investigate themselves??? Enough, lips flapping legislators, and start doing the job you're being paid for...to uphold and protect the laws of and the people in the community. GROW A PAIR...!!!!