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Lawmakers name Guam buildup TF members
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Posted on Dec 02 2008
Legislative leaders have named members to a joint task force created to study the planned military buildup on Guam.
Senate President Pete P. Reyes said the Upper House will be represented to the task force by Rota Sen. Paul A. Manglona, chairman, with Saipan Sen. Maria Frica Pangelinan and Tinian Sen. Joseph M. Mendiola as members.
House Speaker Arnold I. Palacios assigned Representatives Diego T. Benavente, Edwin P. Aldan, and David Apatang to work with the Senate members.
The group was created following the recent adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives and the Senate. According to the joint resolution, the group will conduct “direct dialogue with representatives of the United States Armed Forces to ensure that the Commonwealth is informed of all matters related to the military expansion in the Marianas.”
The programmed military buildup in Guam involves the transfer of some 8,000 Marines and their dependents from Okinawa. The program involves using Tinian—and possibly Pagan and other parts of the CNMI’s northern islands—as a military training site.
Another group, formed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in February 2007, is tasked with representing the CNMI government in talks concerning the military buildup. That group is made up of Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, some Cabinet officials, legislators, and business leaders. In addition, Retired Lt. General Wallace “Chip” Gregson, who served in the United States Marine Corps for 37 years before retiring in 2005, serves as the governor’s special adviser for military affairs.
