DPS personnel happy, relieved

Many Department of Public Safety employees expressed happiness and relief with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s decision to place DPS Commissioner Ramon C. Mafnas on administrative leave.

“Yes, we’re glad that our governor and lieutenant governor, our leadership, took this action. Walk around DPS and you are going to see smiling faces because it’s kind of a relief,” said Capt. Pete Leon Guerrero, who spearheaded the petition seeking Mafnas’ immediate ouster.

Leon Guerrero said that whoever the governor appoints to be the new commissioner, they will follow the leadership, adding that jobs can be done more effectively and efficiently if the personnel are happy at work.

“We will continue and always will provide police services to the community. We are sworn to provide three things: peace of mind, safety, and security to our Commonwealth. Whether you are visitor or staying here, that doesn’t make a difference,” Leon Guerrero said.

Saipan Tribune visited DPS yesterday afternoon and chanced upon smiling employees.

“No more Mafnas!” one officer said, as two other officers laughed.

“We’re better without Mafnas,” said an employee at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

A total of 139 personnel at DPS Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, signed the petition.

Although Mafnas is already on administrative leave, Leon Guerrero said they still welcome any DPS employees who want to affix their signatures on the petition.

According to the petition, “Mafnas’ authoritarian leadership, confrontational approach, micro-management, and lack of faith and trust in the staff of the Department of Public Safety has brought a never ending fear of reprisal, humiliation, and degradation within our rank and file.”

Meanwhile, a motorist shared a “scary encounter” with Mafnas in November 2011. The motorist told Saipan Tribune he was going south on Middle Road to take his 4-year-old son to school when Mafnas allegedly played a “cat and mouse game” with him on the road by tailgating his car “and just about rear-ending” his vehicle.

When the motorist stopped at a red light to turn left, the DPS commissioner allegedly parked his white SUV next to him and threatened to take him to jail.

Mafnas allegedly accused the motorist of speeding, which the motorist denied.

“The rage in his face made it a very, very scary experience. My little boy was scared to death of this guy,” the motorist said.

Saipan Tribune tried but failed to get comment from Mafnas. He, however, earlier stated that allegations against him are the product of individuals “with ulterior motives to fulfill their selfish agenda.”