By Bryan Manabat
bryan@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
ONE of the two police officers accused of assaulting a man with a disability has resigned, the Department of Public Safety said Tuesday.
In a statement, DPS said Officer Earl Borja submitted his resignation effective Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. He is one of two officers under investigation for the alleged assault of a 28-year-old man on Dec. 19, 2025, in Marpi.
“Despite his resignation, the incident remains under criminal investigation by the Attorney General’s Investigations Unit, while the Professional Responsibility Office continues its administrative review,” DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas said.
DPS provided no update on the second officer under investigation, Elijah Villar.
The alleged assault was reported to DPS on Dec. 22 by the victim’s father. Macaranas said both officers were immediately disarmed, removed from street patrol and reassigned to administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation. The victim, who had visible injuries, was taken to the hospital by family members after the incident.
Macaranas said DPS-Internal Affairs is conducting an administrative review while the Attorney General’s Office handles the criminal probe. He emphasized that officers are expected to treat all members of the public with respect.
“Every officer has to treat each person with respect and dignity,” he said. “They cannot go out there and be rogue officers. This kind of behavior is uncalled for, and I do not tolerate it.”
He added that any administrative decisions will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigations.
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.
