Gov. Arnold I. Palacios speaks during a press conference on Capital Hill.
GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios passed away Wednesday evening at Guam Regional Medical City on Guam where he was transported for further medical attention following an initial checkup at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. He would have turned 70 on Aug. 22.
He was reported to be in stable condition and good spirits, the Office of the Governor said on Wednesday afternoon, adding that Palacios remained responsive to doctors and those around him, including Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, while the governor was in the CHCC emergency room and during his transfer to a U.S. Air Force HH-60 helicopter. The aircraft was one of those participating in the ongoing Resolute Force Pacific 2025 contingency response exercise, Variety was told.
Earlier in the day, the Office of the Governor announced that Palacios had experienced a medical incident, but said later that afternoon that he was “in stable condition, in good spirits, and interacting normally with his medical team and family.”
Following the initial assessment, CHCC’s medical team recommended that the governor be medically transported to Guam for specialized care. Two U.S. Air Force HH-60 helicopters arrived later: the first carried the governor, while the second — serving as an escort — transported staff members of the Office of the Governor, including his security detail.
“We are incredibly thankful to the dedicated CHCC medical staff for their prompt and excellent care of the Governor,” Apatang said on Wednesday afternoon.
“I’ve been speaking with the Governor, who has maintained a positive attitude and is optimistic about making a full recovery,” Apatang added.
He also extended his gratitude to the public. “I want to thank everyone who has reached out to offer their well-wishes to the Governor and to those who continue to pray for his recovery. Please continue to keep the Governor and his family in your prayers.”
Apatang, 77, is now the CNMI’s new governor.
The Office of the Governor on Wednesday afternoon said CHCC was actively working to ensure that Palacios received the highest level of care, both locally and off-island.
“CHCC is in close coordination with local and off-island partners to ensure that he receives the support, care, and resources needed for his recovery and well-being,” a statement said.
“CHCC is committed to doing all we can to assist during this time, and our thoughts are with the Governor and his family.”
This is not the first time Palacios had required medical evacuation. Three years ago, he was transported to Hawaii after experiencing “numbness and significant discomfort” while testifying in Superior Court regarding travel regulations linked to the criminal case against former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
People close to the governor told Variety on Wednesday that this latest incident may have aggravated the same condition, as he had been extremely busy in recent days.
In a statement late Wednesday evening, Apatang offered his sincerest condolences and sympathy to First Lady Wella Palacios and their children and families. “I am deeply in sorrow and I join Wella and the families’ grief during this time of mourning as we pray and remember my friend, Governor Palacios, for his sacrifice and life of public service for all,” Apatang said.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Commonwealth are with First Lady Wella Palacios, their children and grandchildren, the extended Palacios family, and all who mourn this immeasurable loss.”
