He was reacting to the Mendiolas’ demand to be compensated for their Rota property taken by the governor.
The Mendiolas have threatened to close the Gaonon Estate on Aug. 30 if the government continues to ignore their demand for compensation.
Del Rosario said if the Mendiolas will close the road, the Department of Public Safety will be compelled to “put the situation back to normal.”
He added the Mendiolas cannot sacrifice the general interest of the public by depriving them access to the area.
Godfrey S. Mendiola, one of the Mendiola heirs, said their family “will not be intimidated by this corrupted government.”
He said although they may extend the scheduled closure, they will definitely pursue their case against the government.
“The Mendiola family is compassionate and patient,” he said.
Del Rosario said there are other more serious cases involving land compensation that need immediate action, but the government has no money to appropriate.
Mendiola doesn’t believe that the government is broke “because it is making money from real estate leases.”
He added, “These government officials are just playing politics.”
Del Rosaio said the government is willing to pay its obligation but the Mendiolas, “just like anybody else who have claims, should wait.”
Mendiola said if the government will not act on their demand they will resort to legal action in federal court.
“We are on a mission to file a petition to reestablish my father Santiago Mendiola’s legacy,” he said.
The Mendiolas are demanding for just compensation for their 40-hectare property that the government took and leased to Rota Resort without the family’s consent and approval.
Godfrey Mendiola’s sister, Maria Mendiola Castro, said the government is selective when compensating land claims.
“They compensate the people on Saipan but they do not look into the concerns of Rota and Tinian. This is discrimination,” she told Variety.
The Mendiolas, however, are hoping the Fitial administration will address all the claims of CNMI residents.
