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DOC personnel to protest over Mafnas’ reinstatement
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Posted on Apr 28 2012
By Ferdie de la Torre
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Department of Corrections personnel are planning actions to express their strong protest over Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s directive reinstating the controversial on-leave Department of Public Safety and DOC Secretary Ramon C. Mafnas, Saipan Tribune learned yesterday.
A DOC official, who requested anonymity, said one of the plans is for the personnel to walk on Monday to the governor’s office to explain their strong objection for Mafnas’ reinstatement.
“The DOC personnel are very upset. In fact, we at DOC are the first victims of Mafnas,” a DOC staff said. “We don’t like the way he treated us here. We just remained quiet.”
Another DOC staff, who asked not to be identified, stated that putting back Mafnas is not a good idea considering, among other things, about DOC’s good “bonding relationship” with DPS.
Over 140 personnel at DPS signed a petition that seeks the removal of Mafnas as DPS commissioner.
According to the petition, “Mafnas’ authoritarian leadership, confrontational approach, micro-management, and lack of faith and trust in the staff of the Department of Public Safety has brought a never ending fear of reprisal, humiliation, and degradation within our ranks and file.”
Although DOC staff did not join the petition, many of them reportedly supported the action and in fact were ready to affix their signatures when Mafnas was put on administrative leave.
Asked what’s their plan about the report that Mafnas will resume his post at DOC commissioner on Monday, the DOC staff replied: “We don’t want him back!”
Another DOC officer said if Fitial cares for this Commonwealth, he should listen to the people’s sentiments.
“Nobody likes Mafnas at DPS, much more at DOC. Nobody likes his dictatorial and bullying management style. As simple as that!” the officer said.
Other DOC personnel refused to comment.
