FORMER Department of Public Safety Clement R. Bermudes told Variety that he loves his job, and he has “served with dignity and respect,” but Gov. Arnold I. Palacios “instructed” him to resign “without reason.”
“He told me clearly that is his prerogative,” Bermudes added.
In an interview with KUAM, he said, “I asked why, [the governor] said he is taking a new direction. I asked again, ‘Is there something that I have done wrong or anything that will warrant my resignation?’… He did not answer…. I asked what will happen if I will not submit my resignation and he answered. and I quote, ‘I will use my prerogative to terminate you.’ ”
Bermudes, who resigned on Friday, said he still hopes to know what he has done wrong.
New acting DPS chief
On Monday, Jan. 29, Gov. Palacios issued a memorandum to all department and agency heads, stating, “Effective Jan. 30, 2024, Anthony I. Macaranas will be hereby designated as the Acting Department of Public Safety Commissioner until further notice.”
Early this month, Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres announced that Macaranas, a retired assistant chief of police, would be the department’s deputy commissioner.
In a separate statement on Monday, the governor said:
“On Jan. 26, after extensive and careful consideration, I requested Mr. Bermudes’ resignation as DPS Commissioner. I did not make this decision lightly.
“I appreciate Mr. Bermudes’ service to DPS and our community over the past year, and I recognize that he inherited tremendous challenges in taking over that department. As this is a personnel matter, I will not comment further.
“I fully understand that urgent priority needs be given to DPS’ efforts to strengthen its stability and direction as soon as possible.
“I have enlisted the assistance of Mr. Anthony Macaranas, a highly respected individual with an extensive law enforcement background, to serve as Acting Commissioner to help provide that stability and direction and take over management responsibilities at DPS while my administration conducts a search for a new and permanent Commissioner.
“He will be supported by the partnership of other law enforcement agency leaders.
“I also thank Ms. Kaye Inos who has served as acting Commissioner during the immediate transition period. She will now return to her regular duties as the department’s Director of Administrative Services.
“I ask for the community’s patience and prayers as we navigate the months ahead and steer a new course for one of our government’s most critical departments.”
Macaranas, for his part, told reporters that he will hold a press conference today, Tuesday.
‘Two Ton’s’
Asked about Macaranas’ appointment as acting DPS commissioner, Corrections Commissioner Torres said:
“I 100% fully support our Governor and his decision to assign Deputy Commissioner Macaranas as the new Acting DPS Commissioner. I will be looking to fill the Deputy role at a later time. I am in no rush to fill it. Anthony and I processed this and came to the conclusion that this is not a sad or bittersweet move for us, but a huge win and gain for law enforcement in our Northern Mariana Islands. His qualifications, experience and leadership qualities will enable him to serve effectively in this important role.
“We’ve worked together for almost a month and cultivated a great relationship. Our visions are aligned by both possessing a shared commitment to public safety and community well-being, underscoring the importance of strong and effective leadership within law enforcement agencies.
“There will be no more barriers, impediments and obstacles moving forward as we work together to rebuild trust.
“The Commonwealth will see a great partnership and collaboration never seen before between our departments, local law enforcement agencies, and the community, along with a commitment to transparency and accountability. Two Ton’s are better than one.”
