Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas delivers his remarks during the Customs and Biosecurity Week proclamation signing ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Resort last week.
THE Senate on Monday confirmed Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ appointment of Anthony I. Macaranas as the new Department of Public Safety commissioner.
All eight senators present voted to adopt the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations’ report recommending the confirmation of Macaranas, who had been serving as commissioner in an acting capacity since January following the resignation of former DPS Commissioner Clement Bermudes.
Sen. Celina R. Babauta, who chairs the EAGI committee, was excused. It was Senate Floor Leader Corina Magofna who moved to adopt the committee report to confirm Macaranas.
Prior to the Senate confirmation, Special Assistant for Administration Oscar M. Babauta extended his gratitude on behalf of Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang to the senators, particularly those on the EAGI committee, for acting favorably on the administration’s nominees.
Former DPS Commissioner Joseph M. Castro, for his part, told the senators that Macaranas is very qualified to be the new DPS chief.
Macaranas retired as assistant chief of police in January 2022 after 35 years of serving DPS.
