By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Thursday reinstated Anthony I. Macaranas as Department of Public Safety commissioner, 10 days after Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, while serving as acting governor, terminated him without cause.
In a Feb. 23, 2026, letter to Macaranas, Mendiola cited the law allowing the governor to remove public officials with or without cause.
At a press conference Friday, the DPS chief told reporters that he spoke with Apatang at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
Macaranas said the governor told him he would be ordered to return to work. According to Macaranas, the reinstatement letter stated that Apatang was reinstating him effective March 5, 2026.
“I am pretty much sure that he sought legal advice. He was advised that he could reinstate me and does not have to go through Senate confirmation,” Macaranas said.
“It’s good to be back to work. My return is to continue the work that I have been doing from the time I got appointed,” he added, saying that returning to the department felt like coming back from a trip to the U.S. mainland or elsewhere.
Macaranas said that on the morning he received Mendiola’s termination letter, he had just returned from Australia, where he attended a law enforcement conference.
He said he was preparing to report to the acting governor about the conference and upcoming initiatives when he received the letter.
According to Macaranas, he was signing documents in his office when the special assistant for administration handed him the termination notice.
Although the move was “kind of shocking,” Macaranas said he already knew the possibility existed.
“I would just have to obey the letter,” he said.
He added that even before receiving the termination letter, he had been hearing rumors that the acting governor might remove him.
“So I just told myself, ‘If it happens, it happens,’” Macaranas said.
“I was expecting it was going to happen, and any time the governor would let me go, I just had to accept it.”
Now that he is back as commissioner, Macaranas said he intends to focus on continuing the department’s mission.
“I’m still going to focus on what’s the purpose of my return, which is to continue to help our people in the Commonwealth and to help our men and women of this department,” he said.
Macaranas declined to comment on the allegations against him, saying his attorney advised him not to discuss an ongoing case.
“Whatever the allegations are, they are still allegations,” he said.
“But I’m still going to come back with an open mind to continue working here and to do what’s necessary to continue the work of the department.”
He thanked those who have supported him and said he also appreciated those who oppose his return.
Macaranas said he will not allow the allegations made after his termination to distract him from moving the department forward.
“Nothing is going to stop me and deter me from doing my job,” he said.
Addressing those within the department who made the allegations, Macaranas said they have the right to do so but urged them to continue performing their duties while the case proceeds.
“Let them continue the work they are tasked to do, and I will continue my job as commissioner,” he said, confirming that he denies the allegations.
Macaranas said he had never been confronted about the accusations and had not been notified of them by the department’s human resources division.
“Not one time did HR come to me and advise me about the allegation,” he said.
He also noted that Mendiola’s termination letter did not mention any reason for his removal.
“That day I was removed, I was never told to explain why,” Macaranas said. “I am open to accepting removal, but please have the courtesy to explain why.”
A formal complaint alleging unprofessional and inappropriate conduct against Macaranas was filed with the Civil Service Commission on March 2, 2026, eight days after Mendiola terminated him without cause on Feb. 23, 2026.
‘NMCADSV stands with victims and survivors and calls for accountability’
The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, in a statement Friday, said it is “deeply concerned” by the decision to reinstate Macaranas following recent sexual harassment complaints.
“We have heard directly from the individuals who filed the complaint and respect their wishes to remain anonymous. We believe them. We support them. We stand with them,” the coalition stated.
“Sexual harassment is serious in any workplace and should be taken seriously when reported. This situation is especially concerning given the high standard of professionalism, integrity, and accountability expected from the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in the CNMI.
“The CNMI Department of Public Safety’s own mission and values emphasize ‘integrity and trust’ and call on its members to ‘act with integrity and to the highest professional standards of behavior.’ DPS also states that one of its goals is to ‘build public trust and confidence in the Department of Public Safety.’
“Maintaining that trust should be a priority, particularly for victims and survivors who must decide whether they feel safe enough to report the harm they have experienced. Leadership decisions carry significant weight in shaping public confidence in our institutions, especially when they involve individuals in positions of authority within systems responsible for protecting public safety. Reinstating someone to a leadership position following reports of sexual harassment may erode trust and discourage others from coming forward.
“It is also important to recognize that delayed reporting is common in cases involving sexual harassment and sexual violence. Victims and survivors may take time to come forward due to fear of retaliation, concerns about their careers or reputations, trauma, stigma, or uncertainty about how their report will be received. There is no single timeline for when a person may feel ready or safe enough to report harm.
“The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence remains committed to standing with victims and survivors and advocating for systems where people feel safe, supported, and respected when reporting harm. We encourage leadership across the CNMI to ensure that decisions regarding allegations of sexual harassment reflect a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safety of those who come forward. We will continue working with community partners and leadership to ensure that safety, dignity, accountability, and public trust remain priorities for the CNMI.
“If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, you are not alone. Support is available through the 24/7 Karidat Victim Hotline at (670) 234-5100 or the 24/7 Karidat Sexual Assault Helpline at (670) 838-7233.”
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.
