SEVENTEEN new Department of Corrections officers were sworn in at the Hibiscus Hall of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan on Friday.
They are Manuel Q. Camacho Jr., Brandon H. Dela Cruz, Simon I. Fitial, Vincent S. Iba, Mikel P. Johnson, Koen I. Kabiriel, Crystal N. Kapileo, Johnnie F. Kapileo, Sean I. Marciano, Sebastian S. Muna, Prince R. Norita, Jerica E. Okaruru, Cleon R. Pacho, Raeisah M. Rios, Lance N. Sablan, Esmcleebert M. Siden, and Vicente S. Ythemar.
The new Corrections officers underwent a five-week course to complete the 10th Corrections Academy.
Cleon Pacho is the Top Gun and valedictorian. In his remarks, he talked about the core values of respect, integrity, teamwork and accountability that a Corrections officer must possess.
Pacho said his batch is ready to carry out their duties. “We learned how to be true to ourselves no matter what the consequences we will face. We still need to do what we have to do,” he added.
Another member of the 10th Corrections Academy, Crystal Kapileo, said, “I’m excited for everyone for making it … and I am thankful for my family for all their support.”
She added, “I am confident and ready to carry out my duties.”
CNMI Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro Castro administered the oath of office to the new Corrections officers while Deacon Tony Yarobwemal led the invocation and benediction.
Besides Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres, the other government officials who attended the ceremony were Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Commissioner Juan Pua, Customs and Biosecurity Director Jose Mafnas, Associate Justice John Manglona and District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona.
In his remarks, Apatang told the graduates that their career choice is demanding.
“It will demand your time, your family’s time, mental and physical strength,” he said.
“Your psychological and physical capabilities will be tested in any way imaginable as the work of a Corrections officer is not static, predictable or easily manageable…. It will be difficult, but this is the demand of the job,” Apatang added.
For his part, Corrections Commissioner Torres said the day marked an extraordinary milestone in the graduates’ lives, signifying not only an achievement but also the beginning of their journey.
“This academy is no small feat,” Torres said. “It represents countless hours of hard work, resilience, and determination,” he added.
“Each of you made a choice to embark on this challenging journey knowing full well the sacrifices it will demand. But you choose to rise to the occasion to uphold the values of respect, integrity, teamwork, and accountability. As you stand ready to step into your roles as correctional officers, the power of choice [looms] ever larger. The choices you make from this day forward will not only define your career but also the lives you serve and protect,” Torres said.
The 17 new Corrections officers pose for a photo with trainers and CNMI government officials at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
Bridgett Kapileo pins the Corrections badge on her daughter, CO1 Crystal I. Kapileo.
10th Corrections Academy valedictorian and Top Gun CO1 Cleo Pacho delivers his remarks.
CO1 Lance Sablan holds the 10th Corrections Academy flag, with other members of his batch in the background.
