FOR lack of adequate funding, the National Guardsmen stationed on Saipan have left the island over the weekend, Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said.
“I say they left abruptly because they left earlier than the set schedule (for their departure). So we’re back now to CPA personnel doing all the enforcement activity at the airport,” Salas said in an interview.
But he said the termination of the guardsmen’s services was “not at all surprising.” (See related story on page 12)
“It’s not (surprising) because they were supposed to leave in February for the same reason—funding. It was moved to March then later to May, but based on their previous schedule, their last day would be May 24,” he said.
The guardsmen’s stay in the CNMI was funded by the federal government.
Salas said the presence of the guardsmen was “most helpful” in securing the CNMI airport.
“The National Guard has been very helpful to us. We highly appreciate their assistance,” he said.
Eight members from the National Guard unit on Guam were sent to Saipan last November as part of the effort to provide maximum security protection at the airport following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Guam Gov. Carl T.C. Gutierrez authorized the deployment of the guardsmen upon a request from then CNMI Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio.
Guam, like the rest of the states, activated its National Guard unit to assist ports police amid threats from international terrorists.
