$5K reward for return of family heirlooms

Danny Aquino, the director of the CNMI Museum of History and Culture, is offering a $5,000 cash reward—no questions asked—for the return of stolen family heirlooms.

According to Aquino, their home in Susupe was broken into between 7am and 11am yesterday and they were robbed of their priceless jewelry and more.

Aquino, who appeared to be still in shock, said that he is willing to pay, in full, $5,000 for the return of their belongings, or for information that would lead to the arrest of the burglars and the return of their belongings.

Aquino said that his wife Joann, Saipan Mayor’s Office director of field operations, discovered the break-in when she went home for lunch.

The burglars had reportedly rummaged through the house and stole only the jewelry box that contained many family heirlooms and sentimental jewelry.

Aquino said the burglar’s entry point was through a kitchen window that had been pushed in and the screen slashed. The entry point is so small that Aquino believes a child was made to enter the window and then unlock the door.

Aquino said that some of the things that were stolen were their children’s jewelry that they grew out of, a gold bracelet with his wife’s name engraved on it that was given to her by her mother, a diamond ring, rubies, wedding coins, and more, many of which could not be replaced because of their sentimental value. Most of the jewelry and items stolen were given to them as keepsakes by family members.

Although the burglary has been reported to the police, Aquino is still seeking the community’s help to locate their stolen belongings. “I just want them back, no questions asked,” he said.

Aquino said the loss is tragic, especially at this time when the family has not yet fully recovered from the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yutu, since he and his wife have been focusing their efforts on the recovery of the CNMI.

Last Saturday, the home of Kagman High School instructor G Van Gils was also broken into, reportedly the fourth break-in they have had in the last few months. The suspect allegedly stole their security camera but was confronted by a neighbor. The suspect then ran off in a white Toyota Camry with the license plate ACG903. The suspect has yet to be apprehended.