SAIPAN — Acting Governor Dennis James C. Mendiola has terminated Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas, effective immediately, in a February 23 letter issued by the Office of the Governor.
While no reasons were listed , the termination letter, addressed to Macaranas and signed by Mendiola as acting governor, cites 1 CMC § 2901(f) and states that persons appointed to a board, agency, commission, or position by the Governor serve at the pleasure of the Governor and may be removed with or without cause.
“In the interest of the Commonwealth, I have decided to terminate your time as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (‘DPS’). This termination is effective immediately,” the letter states.
The letter directs Macaranas to return government property in his possession or control, including keys, key cards, phones, computer equipment, government-issued firearms and equipment, work documents and records in hard copy or electronic form, and any other government property.
At a proclamation signing event Monday for CNMI Invasive Species Week in Susupe, Mendiola briefly told NMI News Service that a formal statement would be issued and confirmed that Aniceto Ogumoro, Director of Police, has been delegated as Acting Commissioner.
Mendiola did not provide a detailed explanation on the spot for Macaranas’ dismissal and said additional information would be addressed in a statement.
NMI News Service is awaiting the administration’s formal statement and seeking additional comment from Macaranas and DPS.
