Efraim Atalig
ROTA’S former two-term mayor, Efraim M. Atalig, passed away at the Rota Health Clinic around 1 p.m. on Thursday, following a vehicular accident that occurred at 11 a.m. He was 63 years old.
Variety learned Atalig was driving south from Sinapalo along San Francisco Highway when he struck a power pole across from Lucky II Store. The impact caused injuries to his face, arms, and chest.
He is the CNMI’s first and only road fatality of the year so far.
Deep sadness
In a joint statement on Thursday, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the untimely passing of former Mayor of Rota Efraim M. Atalig, a devoted public servant and beloved leader of our Commonwealth. Mayor Atalig’s steadfast dedication to the island of Rota and his tireless efforts to uplift its people will always be remembered.”
According to Palacios and Apatang, Atalig “truly embodied the spirit of servant leadership, always putting the needs of his community first. His work to strengthen Rota’s economy, preserve our culture, and foster unity throughout the CNMI has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”
“As we grieve this great loss, let us also take time to reflect on the values he stood for: humility, perseverance, and an unwavering love for our islands. Especially for the island of Rota, let us honor his legacy by continuing to serve our community with the same commitment and passion he demonstrated throughout his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of Rota, and all whose lives he left an impression on,” Palacios and Apatang added.
The governor said, “In deep respect for the untimely passing of [the] former mayor, … I hereby order that the flag of the Commonwealth, together with the flag of the United States of America, are to be flown at half-staff at the Juan Atalig Sablan Memorial Building and upon all public buildings, instrumentalities, and grounds within the Commonwealth until the sunset of the day of his interment.”
Atalig served as Rota mayor from January 2015 to January 2023.
In September 2018, he was indicted in federal court on one count of wire fraud in connection with a government-paid trip to Guam. He was charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, theft from program receiving federal funds, and two counts of false statements.
He won a second term as mayor in November 2018. In August 2020, a federal judge and jury found him not guilty of the charges.
In the 2022 election, Atalig was an unsuccessful candidate for one of Rota’s two open Senate seats.
