First, I have nothing against aliens nor do I hate them. In my family alone, I have three brothers who are married to Filipinas. Eddie has four sons and two daughters. Talong has two sons of Filipino blood, and my beloved Ando has two sons and a daughter. My eldest son, Jack, has a daughter who is half-Filipino. My son Pete has two sons of Chinese blood.
When we were young, my Dad and Mom sponsored two Korean teenagers, a boy and a girl. We had a Yapese nephew who stayed with us for over a year and a half. We were very contented, satisfied, and happy with what my family went through. I love them all! In my Deleon Guerrero and Pangelinan families, we can build a community and call it small Pampanga or little Manila through inter-marriage of our blood with the Filipino folks — our family.
Am I prejudiced or a hateful person? Don’t make me laugh!
Second, the first, second and third groups of foreign laborers, along with the early Korean business groups who came to the CNMI and built the infra-structure and put up businesses, have (most of them) gained U.S. citizenship, have children born and raised here. They have been here for more than 30, 25, 20 or 15 years. We, the local Chamolinians, have no problems with them. We call them brothers and sisters. We say “thank you, kababayan,” “maraming salamat po and kam samida.” You are part of our families.
Third, you aliens who are here less than 15 years, you want to be recognized that you built the infrastructure — that you do this and you did that. Get your facts straight. Starting in 1995 to present, the garment industry started its nose dive and is now dead. Syed, this was the time Bangladeshis started to come as security employees, garment factory helpers and menial laborers. Many of you, your own people who hired you, stole your money then abandoned you here in the CNMI. Our immigration and labor departments, through act of kindness, tried to transfer you or put you to other jobs so you can gain back your losses (money).
Is this how you and many of your group members thank us locals?
There is an old saying that says: “Do not bite the hand that feeds you.” Yes, feed you, because when you have no job, no money to buy food, you people ask our Karidat to help you.
Again, all of you aliens who have been here less than 15 or 16 years, what infrastructure did you build? The answer is nothing! Yet you have been very vocal, demanding better treatment and status. You have been slandering us locals. You are so loud to the U.S.A. about your plight.
Just a simple and short question: When you applied, in your contract was there a section that says that after five years, 10 years or more, you will be granted improved status or U.S. citizenship? Nothing, right?
If you are not satisfied here with the current situation, then you are welcome to leave the CNMI and go back to where you came from! We, the local Chamolinians, are not threatening you. We are simply advising you. What you aliens are doing have started to antagonize us and we are holding our simmering tempers down. This is our island and our home. Do not be late to depart because there is nothing you can do.
Syed, there is a rumor that most of you aliens are married before you people came over. If this is true, then your marriage is a scam. I hope the FBI and U.S. immigration will start a profile on you people. Wake up, U.S. intelligence!
PEDRO DLG. PANGELINAN
Fina Sisu, Saipan
