By Bryan Manabat
bryan@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Public Safety says its Professional Responsibility Office is continuing an internal investigation into two police officers accused of assaulting a man with a disability in Marpi on Dec. 19.
In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, DPS said the case “involving two officers in connection with an alleged assault of a 28-year-old man on Dec. 19, reported on Dec. 22, 2025, has been referred to the Attorney General’s Office, Investigation Division, for review.”
“The Professional Responsibility Office…is continuing its administrative investigation. The incident remains under active investigation, and no further information is available at this time,” the department added.
DPS did not release the names of the officers, but Variety learned they are Earl Borja and Elijah Villar, both of whom have been placed on administrative duty.
In an earlier statement, DPS Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas said the department is committed to ensuring “a transparent and unbiased investigation” into the allegations.
The alleged assault was reported to DPS on Dec. 22 by the victim’s father. Macaranas said both officers were immediately disarmed, removed from street patrol, and reassigned to administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
The victim, who has visible injuries, was taken to the hospital by family members after the incident.
Macaranas also directed Internal Affairs to conduct an administrative review while the Attorney General’s Investigation Division handles the criminal probe.
The commissioner emphasized that an individual’s background does not change how officers are expected to treat members of the public.
“Every officer has to treat each person with respect and dignity,” he said. “They cannot go out there and be rogue officers. This kind of behavior is uncalled for, and I do not tolerate it.”
He added that any administrative decisions regarding the officers will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigations.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
