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Law enforcers prepare for inauguration’s security
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Posted on Jan 04 2006
Law enforcement officers from different agencies participated in a joint training yesterday in preparation for next week’s inauguration activities.
About 30-45 personnel from the Department of Public Safety’s Tactical Response Enforcement Team, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Division of Customs Services began a two-day training at the DPS shooting range in Marpi.
Leading the training is Capt. Pedro Leon Guerrero, TRET commanding officer.
The officers will be in charge of the security of top government and business officials who will be participating in the inauguration of governor-elect Benigno R. Fitial.
“In case anything goes wrong, we have these people to respond,” said DPS spokesperson Eric David. “We are expecting the unexpected. We want to prepare for any terrorist or security threat.”
Aside from the armed personnel, law enforcement officers will also be assigned to drive the VIPs and to maintain peace and order during the inauguration events.
According to inauguration committee chairman Joseph Villagomez, about 300 to 500 international guests have been invited to attend next week’s events.
Ranking federal government officials, heads of states from the CNMI’s neighboring island-nations, and businessmen from nearby Asian countries are expected to arrive starting today, Jan. 5, 2006.
The activities will kick off with an inaugural golf tournament on Saturday, Jan. 7.
At 3pm Sunday, Jan. 8, an inaugural mass will be conducted at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral for all the elected officials in the CNMI. Dinner will follow at the Joeten Daidai Social Hall located behind the church.
Members of the 15th Legislature will be sworn in at 10am Monday, Jan. 9, at the Legislative Building on Capitol Hill.
The inauguration of governor-elect Benigno R. Fitial and lt. governor-elect Timothy P. Villagomez will take place at 2pm at American Memorial Park. A fiesta-style gathering and a fireworks display will ensue the formal ceremony at the park.
An exclusive inaugural ball will be also held from 6pm to 10pm at World Resort Saipan. The formal event will be on a by-invitation basis.
