By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
FOUR days after firing Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse Administrator Epiphanio Cabrera, acting Gov. Dennis James Mendiola terminated Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.
The acting governor designated DPS Director of Police Aniceto T. Ogumoro as acting DPS commissioner.
Citing public law on executive power, which states, “Unless otherwise provided by law, any person appointed to any board, agency, commission or position by the Governor shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and may be removed by the Governor with or without cause,” Mendiola told Macaranas in a letter dated Feb. 23, “I have decided to terminate your appointment as Commissioner of the DPS,” effective immediately.
He directed Macaranas to return the keys, key cards, phones, computer equipment, government-issued firearms and equipment, work documents and records, and any other government property to the special assistant for administration.
“Thank you for your time serving our administration. I wish you good luck in your future endeavors,” the acting governor said.
In a separate delegation of authority, Mendiola informed all department and agency heads of Ogumoro’s designation as acting DPS commissioner and asked them to extend their full cooperation as he assumes the additional responsibility and continues the work of protecting the communities in support of the administration’s priorities.
Macaranas was appointed DPS commissioner by the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios in Feb. 2024.
Macaranas joined the CNMI police force in Sept. 1986 and eventually became assistant police chief. He retired in 2022 after 35 years of service with DPS.
Variety was unable to obtain comment from Macaranas.
On Sunday, Variety asked the governor’s office whether anyone had been looking for Macaranas to serve him with the termination letter. “That is not true,” Variety was told.
Reports of Macaranas’ possible termination began circulating Friday evening.
This is a developing story.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
