GOVERNOR Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente yesterday led government officials in paying tribute to three police officers killed in the line of duty.
“Although we can never repay the debt we owe these valiant officers and their families, we pay tribute to their memory by committing ourselves to being law-abiding citizens, working to lower the crime rate in our island communities and investing time and love in our youth,” said Babauta during the Peace Officers Memorial Day service held at the Department of Public Safety headquarters.
Babauta said the people owe the “CNMI’s finest” a debt of gratitude for protecting the lives and property of fellow Americans.
“From patrolling our highways, to investigating crime, to protecting victim’s rights….these committed professionals make a great difference in our communities,” the governor said.
Police Maj. Claudio Norita in his “roll call of heroes” said Police Capt. Justino T. Arriola of Saipan was killed in 1982, Police Officer II Abraham S. Quitugua of Saipan in 1983, and Police Officer I Gilbert M. Taisacan in 1995.
The DPS Tactical Response Enforcement Team then gave a 21-gun salute for the officers who made the “ultimate sacrifice” while performing their duty.
