The ongoing war in Iraq has claimed the life of another son of the CNMI.
Marine Lance Corporal Adam Quitugua Emul, who was supposed to celebrate his 21st birthday this March, was reportedly killed in action. He was from Tanapag.
Military Veterans Affairs director Ruth Coleman confirmed yesterday that Quitugua was killed in Iraq on Jan. 29. She said she learned about the incident only yesterday.
Coleman, who expressed deep sadness over the news, said her office is just awaiting the official statement from the U.S. military regarding the cause of Adam's death.
She said Adam's remains would be interred at the newly completed NMI Veterans Cemetery in Marpi.
“I am proud that a soldier killed on mission will have his final resting place in our new cemetery,” she said, adding that she would do her best to help and provide the victim's family the best memorial service that Adam deserves. “We will give him the full military burial service.”
Adam's aunt, Bernie Q. Saralu, could not help but lament the passing of her nephew, whom she said she treated as one of her sons. She said she took care of Adam when his mother moved to Washington.
“He called me mama as well,” she said in an interview with Saipan Tribune yesterday afternoon.
Saralu said her nephew would have turned 21 this coming March. She said Adam was a straight A student.
Although it broke her heart when her nephew left for Washington in 2003, she knew it was Adam's choice. She said he didn't join the U.S. Marines until after he graduated high school in Washington.
Adam lived with his mom, Angelina, throughout his schooling. He then joined the Marines in September 2006 and was immediately deployed in Iraq.
Just before his scheduled deployment, Saralu received a call from Adam informing her of his mission. “I wish he didn't have to,” she said.
“Adam told me he'd be back in March [this year] together with his mom, my sister. 'I'm coming back in March,'” Saralu said, adding that she told Adam to take extra care during his deployment.
Saralu said their family here on Saipan received a call from her daughter who also lives in Washington at 8:30am yesterday (3pm in Washington Jan. 29). “I feel bad. He is a very good boy.”
She said there were no details given to the family yet, except that her nephew is already dead and his body is still in Iraq. Saralu said more detailed information about the incident and the shipment of his remains have been promised to the family within today.
The Office of the Governor is extending its condolences to Adam's family. Press secretary Charles Reyes said Gov. Benigno R. Fitial had heard about the news Tuesday morning. He said the entire Executive Branch office is saddened by the incident. Reyes said the Governor's Office would make sure that proper interment would be extended to Adam.
Adam is survived by his brothers, Frank and Christopher, and parents, Angelina Quitugua and Wen Emul.
The family started a nightly rosary at the Tanapag church yesterday. They will continue the rosary until Adam's remains reach the CNMI up to his interment, said Saralu.
Home | Weather | Advertising | Classifieds | Subscription | Contact
Us | About Us | Archives
©2006 Saipan Tribune. All Rights Reserved
