U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port Director Ferdinand C. Mallari’s accusation of discrimination against Star Marianas Air Inc. is “inaccurate and offensive,” according to SMA Chair Robert F. Christian.
In an email on Sept. 2, 2024, SMA said it “would like to request the assignment of a lightweight USCBP Officer, if available” for a Saipan-Rota flight.
In his response, Mallari said, “I have continued to inform you about this request for a ‘weight specific’ officer. This is discriminatory in nature, and [I] do not condone nor will honor such a manner of request.”
He added, “DO NOT make this type of request again. You will get whoever is assigned, as all of our officers are equally capable and trained to perform their duties.”
In a letter to Mallari, Christian said, “Let me be absolutely clear: STAR Marianas Air’s participation in the program enabling USCBP pre-clearance on our flights is entirely voluntary. We are under no obligation to continue this arrangement, and, as far as I am aware, USCBP is equally free to terminate its involvement.”
Christian said Mallari’s “characterization of our request for consideration of the assigned officer’s weight as ‘discriminatory’ is both inaccurate and offensive. Our request was made solely due to the limited capacity of our aircraft and the critical weight restrictions necessary for safe operation.”
“To imply that we are engaging in discrimination against USCBP officers is not only unfounded but also undermines the spirit of cooperation upon which this program was built,” Christian said. “We were not only surprised by your message but also disappointed by the unprofessional tone and lack of constructive dialogue,” he added.
Christian said SMA “will continue to remind your office of the need to assign officers with lower body weights as we reassess our voluntary participation in this program.”
Variety tried but did not get a comment from USCBP.
With Bryan Manabat
