By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Public Safety has filed a formal complaint with the Civil Service Commission alleging unprofessional and inappropriate conduct by former DPS Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.
DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato confirmed Tuesday morning that the complaint had been submitted.
“Our Human Resources director is making her way to Civil Service with the report containing complaints from several staff members,” Sato said.
In a letter dated March 2, 2026, DPS Division of Administration Human Resources Director Esther B. Delos Reyes informed CSC Chairman Raymund Muna of “serious concern regarding repeated instances of unprofessional, inappropriate, and demeaning remarks” allegedly made by Macaranas.
According to the letter, one incident involved a female employee who noted it was nearly 4:30 p.m. and time to clock out. Macaranas allegedly responded, “Are you going to c**k out or clock out?” The employee perceived the remark as inappropriate and offensive, Delos Reyes wrote.
In another reported incident, Macaranas allegedly told two female administrative employees that a 53-year-old female police officer should “utilize her private parts” because they were “accumulating cobwebs.” Delos Reyes described the comment as highly suggestive, demeaning, and inappropriate for the workplace.
The HR division cited additional instances in which Macaranas allegedly made repeated comments about the physical appearance of female employees. Delos Reyes wrote that the remarks “demonstrate a pattern of behavior that targets female employees based on their bodies, appearance, age, and personal status,” adding that such conduct could contribute to a hostile work environment and undermine morale.
“It is especially concerning that such remarks persist during a month recognized as Women’s Month, a time intended to honor, respect, and uplift the contributions and dignity of women,” she added.
Given the seriousness of the allegations and Macaranas’ position of authority, Delos Reyes asked the Civil Service Commission to conduct a thorough and impartial review and to take appropriate action under personnel policies and workplace conduct regulations.
Variety reached out to Macaranas for comment but has not received a response.
On Feb. 23, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, serving as acting governor while Gov. David Apatang was off island, issued a letter terminating Macaranas’ appointment as DPS commissioner. After returning to the CNMI, Apatang said he would reverse the termination and reinstate Macaranas following consultation with legal counsel.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
