Saipan — Acting Governor Dennis Mendiola briefly stopped to speak with NMI News Service in a hallway at the Governor’s Office yesterday afternoon and explained that he was unable to do an interview because he was heading into another meeting, but said his schedule was full and that he would issue a statement regarding the firings of Epiphanio “Epi” Cabrera and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.
As of publication time, no public statement had been issued.
The acting governor previously said the administration would offer a statement following Monday’s Invasive Species Week proclamation signing. Two days later, the Governor’s Office had not released a written statement addressing the reasons for the firings or the broader context behind the decisions.
NMI News Service has also confirmed that communications during Governor Apatang’s absence are being handled by Lieutenant Governor Mendiola’s team rather than Governor Apatang’s media team. This was confirmed after multiple requests for comments from multiple news outlets.
The silence follows a week of high-profile personnel changes within the administration, with the two dismissals occurring within days of each other and drawing public attention because of the senior roles involved.
In Macaranas’ case, the termination was effective immediately, and DPS Director of Police Aniceto T. Ogumoro was named acting commissioner, maintaining leadership continuity at the Department of Public Safety.
Macaranas had been serving as DPS commissioner following his appointment in 2024. His removal, coming shortly after Cabrera’s termination, has raised questions about whether the personnel actions are isolated decisions or part of a broader administrative reset.
As of publication time, unanswered questions include the administration’s reasons for the two firings, whether additional leadership changes are being considered, and when the promised statement will be issued.
NMI News Service will update this story if and when the Governor’s Office releases an official statement.
