The 16 newly sworn in Customs officers pose for a photo with Gov. Arnold Palacios, Customs Director Jose Mafnas, Rep. BJ Attao, and other Customs officials at Crowne Plaza Resort’s Hibiscus ballroom on Friday.
THE Division of Customs & Biosecurity held a graduation and swearing-in ceremony for 16 cadets who completed the 10th Cycle Academy at Crowne Plaza Resort on Friday.
The new customs officers are Cherylmoana Marie T. Aguon, Nathan U. Asanuma, Darren Jake C. Basto, Shota N. Castro, Steven G. Castro, Alvonny Joseph Peter N. Cepeda, Jane Anne G. Craney, Shaun Christopher Iguel, Johannes N. Maratita, Joe W. Miller, Maelyn Matilde C. Naputi, Christian Anthony C. Pangelinan, Edward C. Reyes Jr., Thomas T. Santos, Raynalyn L. Taitano and Joel Joshua C. Tudela.
Chief Justice Alexandro Castro swears in the new Customs officers.
In his keynote address, Attorney General Edward Manibusan told the new officers that “safeguarding our community is not easy,” and as law enforcement officers “we are all expected to exemplify good governance and are held to a high moral and ethical standard. We must be trustworthy.”
He added, “You are expected to show and act professionally. We are expected to be patient and understanding even at the height of a conflict with discontented citizens and to those who do not agree with our actions. We are expected to remain impartial to all persons coming to the attention of our government, as anything less can be seen as conduct unbecoming an officer.”
Noting his background in law enforcement as public defender, prosecutor, Department of Public Safety director, judge and now AG, Manibusan said he wears a different kind of uniform. It’s a “uniform without side arm, a uniform without badge. It is not blue, black or green. It is without insignia. I know each of you also wears the same ‘uniform.’ I want you graduates to display this uniform. This uniform is about Respect. Respect the opinion of others, listen so that you can understand what others are saying. Listen to what has been said and instead of thinking what to say, your job as law enforcement is about solving a problem. Act with fairness, and impartiality. You will meet and interact with our citizens in your daily work. Each one of them wants to be treated fairly. Give them the chance to speak, and even though you are charged with the unrelentless enforcement of our laws, you are expected to remain completely impartial to all persons. I like you to act firmly and consistently in your daily work. People expect you, and all of us, to serve them equally. We must all apply the law, evenly and fairly. And lastly, be confident. You must continue to strive to learn, and improve your skills,” the AG said.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios delivers his remarks during the graduation and swearing-in ceremony for 16 Customs cadets who completed the 10th Cycle Academy at Crowne Plaza Resort on Friday.
“From now on, everything you do will reflect not only you but your department and the law enforcement community. Your work is serious. You will serve as gatekeepers of our Commonwealth’s ports of entry. You will enforce a variety of laws, from accessing taxes to ensuring illegal drugs, counterfeit, and quarantined products do not enter the stream of commerce. You are part of this community with responsibility to ensure that citizens and visitors are safe and secure as you safely discharge your duty to the best of your ability,” Manibusan added.
Also delivering remarks were Customs & Biosecurity Director Jose Mafnas, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Northern Marianas College President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD.
Reverend Frederick Fatialofa led the invocation while Chief Justice Alexandro Castro swore in the new Customs officers.
The other officials present at the ceremony included Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, CPA Executive Director Leo Tudela, Vice Speaker Joel Camacho and Rep. BJ Attao.
Customs & Biosecurity Director Jose Mafnas delivers his remarks at the 10th Cycle Academy graduation ceremony on Friday.
