Adrian Pangelinan is new PIO at DPS

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Robert A. Guerrero recently appointed Adrian Pangelinan to serve as public information officer for the Department of Public Safety.

Pangelinan succeeds former DPS PIO Jacqueline Rae Shepard, who moved back to California to tend to family matters.

“Adrian possesses the skills necessary to truthfully and accurately report the daily work of our police officers on the frontline of public safety. We look forward to providing more timely updates for the community for their overall safety,” Guerrero said.

Prior to this new position, Pangelinan served as public information officer and youth affairs representative for the CNMI Office of Youth Affairs under the Office of the Governor.

Pangelinan described his role as a community advocate that complements DPS’ mission to ensure the safety and security of CNMI residents.

Adrian Pangelinan is the new face of the Department of Public Safety as its public information officer. (Contributed photo)

“As a public information officer under DPS, it is my job to bring relevant and accurate information to the people of the Marianas. Many times, good deeds by our brothers and sisters in uniform go unnoticed and in favor of other stories. I hope to share more information on the department’s accomplishments and details on the disturbances we encounter out in the public. My hope is that citizens of the Marianas truly see that the men and women who sacrifice their time away from their families and friends are recognized for the sacrifices they make to protect and serve our community,” Pangelinan said.

Press secretary Kevin Bautista said that Pangelinan brings fresh energy into DPS and will work to ensure the department remains accountable to the public.

“Over the last couple of years, the administration has devoted itself to being a more effective rapid response team that can handle disasters and crises in an effective and expedient manner. [Pangelinan] brings his unique experience with crisis communication as a part of our team at the CNMI Joint Information Center during this typhoon recovery period. We’re confident that he’ll be a true advocate as we streamline every piece of vital information for the public,” Bautista said.

Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres said that Pangelinan is a proven young leader who will assist DPS in prioritizing the safety and security of students and their families.

“Adrian’s work at Youth Affairs, his volunteerism, and his work during our recovery have definitely helped him prepare to take on this new role. DPS public information is big priority for us, and we are continuing our commitment to keep the public informed, while also improving on ways to keep us all safe in our homes and villages,” Torres said.

Pangelinan was a former on-air personality for Sorenson Media Group (Power 99 FM) and was a work study for the Northern Marianas College External Relations Office and Academic Programs and Services. He also served as a senator for the Associated Students of the Northern Marianas College in 2014.

He has an associate degree in natural resource management from the Northern Marianas College and is expected to receive his bachelor’s degree in business management from NMC this summer. (PR)