“We don’t need politics. What we need is concrete action from authorities,” said J.A.R. Design & Consulting Services owner Jesus A. Reyes in an interview with the Variety on Friday.
“What is happening [is like] we’re the ones who are watching to catch [the thieves],” he added.
Reyes said he has already provided the police with information about the incidents.
The Variety had yet to receive a statement from the Department of Public Safety.
The temple was constructed on a 5,000-square meter lot near the road.
Reyes said they lost about $2,000 worth of items, including generators and tools.
The temple, which was burglarized two days prior to its opening on Saturday, also lost about 1,500 feet of copper wire, worth more than $3,000, he added.
Reyes said he has “lost face” with the Korean and Buddhist communities on island.
Buddhist Master Lee Gil Jin selected his firm to construct the temple.
“This incident is not doing any good for the image of Saipan and its people,” Reyes said.
The first burglary was discovered on Thursday morning, when the container van — where the generator, tools and spare copper wire were kept — was forcibly opened with a bolt cutter.
Reyes said they found a wheelbarrow by the roadside, outside the compound.
The thieves apparently used the wheelbarrow to cart away the tools.
Police also discovered that the thieves took the copper wire.
The second burglary was discovered on the next day, Friday morning, when Lee arrived and found that the main door of the temple was open.
But the thieves did not take the brand new air-conditioning unit or any items from the temple, Lee said.
Reyes surmised that the thieves “surveyed” the area and were planning to strike again.
Lee said they purchased new copper wire, worth more than $1,400 for the temple’s opening on Saturday morning. (See story on page 8)
“Saipan is a paradise. Everybody here is peaceful. There is a lot hope for this island,” Lee said.
About 100 Korean Buddhists living in the CNMI are helping fund the temple’s construction, he added.
Also to be construced are two houses for monks, a dining area, and a parking lot.
Reyes said they began constructing the temple eight months ago.
“The thieves didn’t need lumber. The thieves waited for the installation of copper wire and took our tools because we’re almost finished in the construction,” he added.
