SAIPAN — Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho urged residents to report crimes to police and to build stronger relationships with their neighbors, framing community vigilance as part of the island’s recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Camacho, a former law enforcement officer, made the appeal during an interview, calling on residents to “police each other” and to look out for one another rather than take matters into their own hands.
He pointed to a recent incident as a cautionary example. Camacho said that on Friday evening, near the fish market behind William S. Reyes Elementary School, a burglary and theft victim chased a fleeing suspect while carrying a handgun. He said the suspect was not found and urged residents to call police rather than pursue suspects themselves.
Camacho said he wants to restore the close-knit community he grew up in, where neighbors knew and watched out for one another. He encouraged residents to check on those around them, especially as many families continue to recover from the typhoon.
The mayor tied the appeal to the broader recovery effort, noting that residents are still rebuilding homes and managing daily hardships months after the storm. He said a stronger sense of community would help the island through the difficult period.