Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the CNMI Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the CNMI Department of Public Safety Central office in Susupe last Friday but there was no immediate word on what they were looking for or what the raid was all about.<\/p>\n
Soon after, the CNMI Office of the Governor issued a memorandum stating that BMV director Juana Leon has been designated as acting DPS commissioner until the incoming administration appoints its own. There was no immediate word on the status of DPS Commissioner Robert Guerrero.<\/p>\n
At around 3:30pm last Friday, FBI agents showed up unannounced at the BMV and DPS central office in Susupe to carry out a search warrant issued for both departments. <\/p>\n
At the scene, Saipan Tribune observed that FBI agents had plastered handwritten \u201cclosed\u201d signs on all the doors of the BMV, closing up shop and putting a stop to all BMV activities for the rest of the day as they conducted their search. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, at DPS central office, Saipan Tribune learned that FBI agents were reportedly seen going into administrative offices but were not seen taking anything. They were, however, seen taking photos of documents and others. <\/p>\n
In a brief interview with DPS spokesperson Adrian Pangelinan, he said he has no information on the contents of the search warrant and what the FBI is specifically searching for.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have any information regarding anything they\u2019re looking for, what department they\u2019re looking into, or any specific information they\u2019re looking for. I\u2019m trying to get more information and as that information is made available, I will share it,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
The sole DPS spokesperson has since gone on personal leave. <\/p>\n
Pangelinan also clarified that DPS and the BMV were not aware of the raid until FBI agents showed up at their offices. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t aware of the raid until I saw one agent. That\u2019s when I saw everyone just leaving their office doors open and letting the FBI agents come in and out to conduct their investigation. We\u2019re not worried. I believe the agents are just here to carry out the investigation they were instructed to do and if there are any findings, we will get word of it soon,\u201d Pangelinan said. <\/p>\n
As for DPS\u2019 relationship with the FBI, Pangelinan said they have always had a good working relationship and are confident they will do what they have to do and let DPS know of their findings as needed. <\/p>\n
\u201cDPS has a good working relationship with the FBI, especially when it comes to high profile cases, like if there are any threats involved and whatnot,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
As for Leon\u2019s designation as acting DPS commissioner, Pangelinan said, \u201cWe\u2019re all just anticipating and waiting to find out who will be the incoming DPS chief. But everybody is just waiting at this point to figure out what they can do to help make the transition as smooth as possible.\u201d <\/p>\n
He declined to provide more details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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