‘Decision on Bermudes’ status was made after extensive consideration’
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said yesterday that his request on Friday for Clement Bermudes to resign as Department of Public Safety commissioner was done after extensive and careful consideration.
“I did not make this decision lightly,” said Palacios in a statement.
He said he appreciates Bermudes’ service to DPS and community over the past year and recognizes that he inherited tremendous challenges in taking over DPS.
“As this is a personnel matter, I will not comment further,” the governor said.
Bermudes resigned from his post Friday afternoon shortly after Palacios instructed him to do so. He said in a comment that he personally did not want to resign.
The CNMI Senate unanimously confirmed Bermudes’ appointment in April 2023. Bermudes is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. Before being appointed DPS commissioner, he had just been promoted dean of the Northern Marianas College Academic Program and Services. He used to chair NMC’s Criminal Justice Department.
Last Dec. 23, Palacios wrote Bermudes to express concern over the commissioner’s “inconsistency in following [Palacios’] instructions” over an issue involving Sgt. Peter Camacho. Palacios had instructed Bermudes to reassign Camacho to the Marianas Regional Fusion Center at the CNMI Department of Homeland Security, but Bermudes did not do that.
Palacios said yesterday that he has enlisted the assistance of retired police official Anthony Macaranas, whom he described as a “highly respected individual with an extensive law enforcement background,” to serve as acting commissioner.
He said Macaranas will help provide stability and direction and take over management responsibilities at DPS while the administration searches for a new and permanent commissioner.
The governor said Macaranas will be supported by other law enforcement agency leaders.
Kaye Inos, who is the DPS director of Administrative Service, became the acting DPS commissioner during the immediate transition period. Palacios said Inos will now return to her regular duties.
“I ask for the community’s patience and prayers as we navigate the months ahead and steer a new course for one of our government’s most critical departments,” Palacios said.
Clement Bermudes
