By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
SAIPAN Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho defended his decision to seek an attorney general opinion on the reinstatement of DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, saying the move was intended to protect the commissioner and prevent criminal cases from being jeopardized — not to challenge Gov. David M. Apatang.
In an interview, Camacho rejected suggestions that his letter was politically motivated.
“That letter is — I’m protecting Macaranas,” Camacho said. “When I was in the police, Macaranas was one of my top police officers. And I trained him. I’m not that crazy to put him down.”
A retired police major, Camacho said his concern was procedural, warning that criminal cases could be dismissed if questions arise about the commissioner’s legal authority.
“Once the case is thrown out by the court, it affects the victim of a crime,” he said. “There’s nothing personal.”
Apatang had publicly criticized Camacho earlier, saying he had “no idea why the mayor is involved in that” and adding, “He should go out and clean the damn island. That’s his job.”
Camacho said he was surprised by the governor’s remarks.
“I will never put the governor down. I respect him. But he took it in a different way.”
He said he continues to respect the governor despite the public criticism.
“I am doing my job, and I will continue to do my job. I’m willing to work with the governor.”
Camacho also said that during his four years in office, he has not seen the governor convene elected leaders to build relationships or unite around shared issues.
“I haven’t seen that,” he said.
Online petition
The mayor’s comments came as a separate issue gained traction on social media: an online petition naming former Rep. Joseph “Leepan” Tenorio Guerrero as a potential candidate for Saipan mayor.
Camacho, who was elected in 2022 and took office in January 2023, said he first learned of the petition after a staff member showed him a photo of it. The document listed Apatang as the first signatory.
“When I saw that, you know, the name of the candidate is Leepan, I was surprised,” he said, noting that members of Guerrero’s family had previously told him he was not planning to run.
“But if he decided to run against me, let the people decide. The people is the final say-so during the election. I have nothing to worry because I know that I did my best to serve the people.”
Camacho said the CNMI’s democratic system allows anyone to seek public office, and he welcomes any challenger.
“It’s okay for me, for anybody to run for Saipan mayor if they want to challenge me. I have nothing to fear,” he said. “Because I know what I’m doing. It’s not about the position. It’s not for the salary. It’s about executing my vision to make a difference in our community.”
Crime prevention and community outreach
Camacho said public safety has remained one of his administration’s top priorities. He highlighted his “See Something, Say Something, Let’s Do Something” campaign and his outreach to religious leaders as key initiatives.
“Every religious leader has their own congregation, and they’re so powerful when they deliver a message,” he said. “That’s part of promoting safe communities, safe villages, and a clean island.”
Liberation festivities
Camacho also reaffirmed the importance of holding this year’s Liberation Day festivities despite ongoing typhoon recovery efforts. He said the 80th anniversary commemoration honors the community’s history while bringing residents together in the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
“Typhoon Sinlaku was very strong, but we’re stronger together,” he said.
He added that concessions for the two-day celebration will be free.
“It’s for the people to come in, enjoy, mingle — especially with our federal partners who are here supporting us.”
“One people, different culture, one love,” Camacho said.
The Liberation Day Committee is scheduled to hold a press conference Monday at 5:30 p.m. to provide additional details about the festivities.
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.
