Aquino responds

Please allow me to rebut the recent letters to the editor that have been addressed to me.

It’s no surprise that there would be negative comments attacking me and my credibility but I would like to inform Mr. Bonifacio Sagana, Pamlico Rios, and the Yankees who assisted you in your letters that the truth will be told…in time. There are many local people, reputable Filipinos who can vouch for me, my family and my character.

In Pamlico Rios’ letter to the editor, it showed an individual who was utterly disturbed and not sure of himself or what to stand for and has nothing going on that he had to take cheap shots at our local government, people, and culture. I read between the lines of both his and Mr. Sagana’s letters and concluded that they were not intelligent enough to use terms such as “chieftain, diddly, and regale.” It’s apparent that a Yankee wrote this for you.

As to the assertion you made with the “Aquino” name and that no Aquino were “chieftains,” let me inform you that “chieftain” as defined by Webster is a leader. If memory serves me right:

1. My grandfather was in a supervisory role in the Trust Territory government and that would qualify him as a chieftain.

2. My father was a retired Chief of Labor during Gov. Larry Guerrero’s administration, and that made him a “chieftain.”

3. My brother Francisco, who ironically is nicknamed “Chief,” was a captain in the 101st Airborne Rangers, served in the Persian Gulf War, lead soldiers for five straight days of fighting with Iraq’s Republican guards, captured 300 prisoners who surrendered, received numerous commendations to include a Bronze Star and Congressional Medal of Honor that was pinned on by Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf himself. These would at least qualify him as a chieftain.

3. My brother Mariano was an Engineer Officer, served in Somolia in the peacekeeping mission and made it to the rank of major, which I think qualifies him to be a chieftain.

4. I am a college graduate and was the youngest person ever to be a commissioned officer in the Army on Guam. I was a Deputy Marshall in the Superior of Guam and was the youngest person ever to be selected by two presiding judges (Presiding Judge Paul J. Abbatte and Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena) to serve as their personal security and driver 24-7. I was also given a commendation for the amount of successful criminal and civil warrants of arrest served. Because of this I was the youngest person to ever be promoted within a short period of time. I was also honored with my wife by a presentation of a House Resolution in the 11th Legislature by Rep. Oscar Babauta and then Speaker Diego T. Benavente. Would this be enough to qualify me to be a chieftain?

5. Since the Aquino name is actually an Italian name you will find more “chieftains.” The Aquino name can be found all over the world to include Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Spain, Philippines, Alaska, Maryland, Tinian, Fina Sisu, Kagman, China Town, Chalan Kanoa, and yes even in Susupe.

To Bonifacio Sagana, your letters were to be expected but what perplexed me was that you had nothing negative to say about Pamlico Rios calling your organization a sham and that you won’t do “diddly.”

Instead people such as yourself get Yankees to write for you because you don’t have anything to say. While many of you will continue to attack my credibility, it will not deter me from forming this local organization that will ultimately help our local community.

Mr. Sagana, I am a firm believer in the justice system after serving as a Deputy Marshall. I am also capable of distinguishing what is imaginary or a fiction of my imagination. I can hold my own in the English language, since I am educated and do not need to have other people write to express my feelings. Mr. Pamlico was right, though, on one thing—Dekada is a sham! I will not comment anymore on this issue but rest assured that after all the dust settles, justice will prevail! and I am right!

To Mr. Pamlico Rios of San Roque, I know that you are ashamed of living here but there is hope! I am trying to meet with the Governor and Lt. Governor to see if I can secure some prime real estate in Farallon De Mindenilla. And when you do move there please keep this in mind, “Si Yuus un benendisi pot todu minapotmu.” If this offends you, excuse me because I am sitting on my white horse high from a pugua buzz. Try it, you’ll like it!

Danny Aquino Jr.
Saipan