Mafnas says he welcomes any probe

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ramon C. Mafnas said yesterday that he welcomes any independent investigation by federal and CNMI authorities on complaints that he allegedly threatened to arrest, handcuff, and shoot two security guards and a dive instructor in separate incidents in Marpi last year and this year.

In a statement, Mafnas said the allegations are the product of individuals “with ulterior motives to fulfill their selfish agenda.”

“This is an attempt to smear the name and reputation of the commissioner, and the commissioner will not engage in dignifying their claims on baseless allegations. There are always two or more sides to every story,” Mafnas said.

Saipan Tribune sources said that two Filipino security guards and a Korean dive instructor filed the complaints before DPS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in February 2012.

Saipan Tribune tried to obtain comments from Mafnas on Thursday. In his reply sent through email that night, Mafnas said he will not comment “on nonsense like this.”

“I welcome anyone to conduct an investigation,” he added.

In the statement yesterday, Mafnas said “it is best to let the facts and evidence speak for themselves.” He said he chooses not to subject himself to trial by court of public opinion.

Mafnas said the sites of the allegations against him took place at popular tourist sites in broad daylight and in plain view of visitors and others present.

“I’ve always stood up and defended the right to due process and the constitutional rights of people. On the same breathe (sic), I intend to pursue justice against all odds, schemes, and lies,” he said.

The commissioner challenged anyone to bring him and his accusers before the court rather than “resort to injurious lies, cunning and schemes in public.”

Mafnas threatened those responsible “for bearing false witness and making false charges” against him with criminal and civil liabilities, including those who aided and abetted in such acts.

He vowed to continue his quest to rid DPS of “unacceptable and corrupt practices and outright waste of taxpayer-funded resources and breach of public trust and confidence.”

Mafnas also disclosed that in the case of murdered bartender Emerita Romero, he said he is saddened that “three to four sore senior officers” within DPS “place their interests first and above that of the people of the CNMI and the welfare of the men and women in the department.”

Mafnas said there is absolutely no substance or evidence to support the allegation that he deliberately interfered with the investigation in the Romero case. He said he is ultimately responsible for issuing orders to preserve the integrity of the investigation and maintain the strength and investigative edge necessary to prevail.

Mafnas said that once the Romero case is finally determined, the truth will be revealed for everyone to see that he provided the “leadership and guidance to achieve the desired outcome and allow justice to take its course.”

Yesterday, Saipan Tribune received a complaint from a motorist who also narrated his “encounter” with Mafnas. Saipan Tribune opted not to write the allegations in the meantime until Mafnas has stated his side.