“WE have restored trust in our CNMI Department of Corrections,” Commissioner Anthony Torres said in his remarks during the CNMI Correctional Officers and Employees Week proclamation signing ceremony on Monday.
“I am proud to report to you both that we have restored trust in our adult facility,” Torres said, addressing Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang.
“We have restored trust in our Manhoben peer center. We have restored trust in our outreach program. We have restored trust in our parole division. We will remain vigilant and consistent with our efforts to maintain this trust,” Torres added.
The ceremony also recognized newly promoted Corrections officers and marked the launch of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment or RSAT Program.
The recently promoted officers are Capt. Marvin Seman, Capt. Joaquin Sablan, Capt. Stacey Reyes, Lt. Benjamin Lizama, Lt. Benjamin Tagabuel, Lt. Jeffrey Quitugua, Lt. Lorraine Rios, Lt. Max Cruz, Sgt. Claudia Leon Guerrero, Sgt. Domingo Ilek, Sgt. Leo Galarse, Sgt. Lianna Quitugua, Sgt. Peter Somorang, and Sgt. Swain Cangco.
Torres told the Corrections officers: “I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the dedication and resilience each of you brings to our agency every day. Your commitment not only impacts the lives within our facilities but also contributes profoundly to the fabric of our communities.”
As for RSAT, Torres said the program offers an integrated approach to substance abuse.
It has “created individualized treatment plans to help our residents overcome substance abuse and criminal thinking patterns. Our RSAT program aims to equip our residents with skills and support needed to successfully reintegrate into society,” Torres added.
The RSAT team is composed of program lead Carmen Iba, program coordinator Jason Camacho, and counselor Maria Sarah Javier.
In signing the CNMI Correctional Officers and Employees Week proclamation, the governor and lt. governor urged the citizens of the Commonwealth to recognize and honor the dedicated service of correctional officers and employees.
“We call upon all citizens to pay special tribute to these courageous men and women who serve the CNMI by contributing to a safer, more peaceful community,” the governor and lt. governor said.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang with newly promoted Corrections officer during the CNMI Correctional Officers and Employees Week proclamation signing on Monday.
Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres and wife Adeline.
