In this photo taken last year, Rep. Julie Ogo poses with former Sen. Paul Manglona, former CPA Executive Director Leo B. Tudela, CBP Officers Ferdinand Mallari and Jesse Manglona during a meeting to discuss CBP issues regarding the Rota-Guam route.
Contributed photo
ROTA Rep. Julie Ogo announces her full support for H.R. 1536, a measure aimed at addressing key issues affecting the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. She urges U.S. Delegates Kimberly King-Hinds of the CNMI and James Moylan of Guam to advocate for the inclusion of Customs and Border Protection services on Rota for travelers heading to Guam.
Currently, the Municipality of Rota is absorbing the cost of transporting a CBP officer from Saipan to clear outbound passengers traveling to Guam, an expense exceeding $6,000 per month.
Ogo emphasizes that this financial burden is unsustainable and could be better allocated toward reducing inter-island airfare, which remains a pressing issue for Rota residents and travelers.
“The people and leaders of Rota extend their sincere gratitude to Star Marianas Air for their patience and cooperation as we work toward a long-term solution to alleviate these CBP service costs,” said Ogo. “We urge our U.S. delegates to engage with federal agencies to establish permanent CBP services on Rota, ensuring more efficient and cost-effective travel between our islands.”
Ogo remains committed to advocating for policies that improve connectivity, reduce travel costs, and ease regulatory burdens for the people of Rota and the CNMI. She calls on federal stakeholders to prioritize the needs of Rota’s travelers and address the economic challenges associated with inter-island travel.
