Ambulance company sues DPS fire chief, others

A private ambulance company is suing Department of Public Safety’s Fire Division chief Thomas M. Manglona and several others for allegedly conspiring to destroy the company’s business.

August Healthcare Group LLC, owner of Saint Michael’s Medical Response, through counsel Braddock J. Huesman, alleged that Thomas Manglona conspired with Joaquin C. Manglona in an effort to harm St. Michael’s and help another newly formed ambulance company, Priority Care.

According to Huesman, it was the Manglonas’ express intent to run St. Michael’s out of business by using Thomas Manglona’s position within DPS to harass and interfere with St. Michael’s business operations.

Aside from Thomas and Joaquin Manglona, August Healthcare Group also named in their lawsuit as co-defendants Michael Manibusan Takai, John Benedict Taisakan Pelisamen, and Marianas Global Ventures LLC, which owns Priority Care.

Thomas and Joaquin Manglona are cousins and Joaquin is one of the members of Priority Care. Takai and Pelisamen are former employees of St. Michael’s.

Saipan Tribune failed to obtain comments from the defendants yesterday.

The plaintiff is suing Thomas Manglona for violation of due process, malicious prosecution, and equal protection. The plaintiff is suing all defendants for conspiracy; Takai and Pelisamen for breach of contract; and Priority Care for tortious interference with existing contract.

August Healthcare is seeking unspecified damages and a court order preventing Thomas Manglona from harassing St. Michael’s business and business relationships. It also wants the court to prevent Pelisamen and Takai from working for Priority Care and from soliciting St. Michael’s customers and to prevent Priority Care from allegedly transporting and collecting fees from current and former St. Michael’s customers.

August Healthcare also asked the court to stop Jack Manglona from allegedly contacting and soliciting St. Michael’s customers and from offering bribes to current and former customers of St. Michael’s.

Huesman alleged that Thomas Manglona has interfered with St. Michael’s business licenses; provided false information about CNMI laws to companies overseeing St. Michael’s Medicare compliance; required CNMI certifications that do not exist; and treating other private ambulance companies and government ambulances differently.