In a press conference, DPS spokeswoman Lei Ogumoro described Manglona’s death as a great loss for the department he had served for the past 17 years.
“We lost a dear friend, a colleague and a family member. The community lost a valuable public servant and we hold him dear to our hearts,” Ogumoro said.
She said Manglona was a Reservist with the 100th Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team who was scheduled to leave for Kuwait this month for a one-year tour of duty.
“Manglona started as a police cadet in 1991, and graduated from the 11th Police Academy. He worked for Tinian DPS for many years until he transferred to Saipan DPS in 2006,” Ogumoro said.
She added that Manglona worked with the patrol section, as dive rescue team member and as a detective with the Criminal Investigation Division.
Police Officer 1 Kelly Camacho said Manglona was an excellent leader
“He was always motivated and nice to work with. We will always remember him, and we will meet him in the afterlife,” Camacho said.
Police Officer 2 Andrea Ozawa said Manglona was her running buddy.
She said they used to run long distances with Manglona carrying a huge backpack that sometimes would be 30 pounds heavy.
“I was really hoping he would be here with us for the December run. I will surely miss him,” Ozawa said.
Police Officer 2 Patrick Earl Maanao said he and Manglona shared a long friendship that started in the 1990s.
Maanao said Manglona became his supervisor in the investigation division and he also worked with him in the Army Reserve.
“He will be missed by our department,” Maanao said.
He added that Manglona has a lot of friends in and out of the office.
“It’s just a shame for the island to lose somebody like him. He was still a young man and I was hoping he would be with us for the December run,” Maanao said.
For Sgt. Sylvan Rangamar, losing Manglona is a big blow to the department.
“He was a good leader, dedicated to his work,” Rangamar said.
Ogumoro said the funeral arrangements are still being finalized.
She said Manglona will be provided full police honors.
“DPS will provide police escorts and the Army will provide a 21-gun salute during his burial,” Ogumoro said.
