News Briefs – September 7, 2020

Court sentences man to 1 year for assault
Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo sentenced last week a man to a year in prison, all suspended except for 28 days, after the defendant pleaded guilty to assault and battery. Barkin Mamo, 19, a Turkish national, will serve his sentence day for day at the Department of Corrections. Mamo was given nine days of credit for time served. In addition, he was ordered to pay $25 in court fees.

According to the factual basis of the plea agreement, Mamo attacked a a co-worker on Aug. 2, 2020, causing bodily harm.

Mamo was represented by assistant public defender Karie Comstock, while assistant attorney General Erin Toolan appeared for the government.

Mamo, a casino construction worker, is among the individuals who was repatriated to Turkey last Thursday, Sept. 3. (Kimberly Bautista)

Guam issues box jellyfish advisory
MANGILAO, Guam—The Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources Fisheries would like to remind people to be on the lookout for box jellyfish (Physalia physalis). Box jellyfish can be found on the beach or in the water, especially on reef flats. Box jellyfish are anticipated from Sept. 10 to 12, 2020. Both box jellyfish and Indo-Pacific man-o-wars can sting even if washed on the beach and dead. If box jellyfish or Indo-Pacific man-o-wars are seen, notify DAWR Fisheries at (671) 735-0289/82/91/94 or email fisheries@doag.guam.gov. (PR)

NAVFAC Marianas awards $8.6M contract to Guam business
ASAN, Guam—Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas awarded an $8.6 million firm-fixed-price task order under a multiple award construction contract to Modern International, Inc., a Guam-based small business, last Sept. 3, for energy savings and renewable energy work at U.S. Naval Base Guam.

“The award of this contract to Modern International, Inc., represents the Navy’s intent to leverage the expertise and talents of our small business community on Guam,” said NAVFAC Marianas executive officer Cmdr. Jacob Segalla. “It is always a tremendous achievement when our acquisition professionals and the team of small business firms are able to continue our partnerships.”

The work to be performed includes the installation of energy-efficient lights, heating ventilation, air conditioning, and solar photovoltaic throughout housing units and a sentry house at Apra Palms in Santa Rita, Guam, with an expected completion date of August 2023. (USN)

Navy trainings set
ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Navy will conduct live fire exercises in Warning Area 13 and Farallon de Medinilla on Sept. 7-8 from noon to 11:55pm. 

Marine vessels are advised to remain clear of Farallon de Medinilla by 12 nautical miles for the duration of this event and to monitor the U.S. Coast Guard broadcast Notice to Mariners for advisories.

The U.S. Navy will conduct live fire exercises in open ocean on Sept. 7-11 from 1pm to 11:55pm at the following coordinates: 13˚26’’N/145˚08’’E, 13˚42’’N/144˚36’’E.

Marine vessels are advised to remain clear of the area for the duration of the event and to monitor the U.S. Coast Guard broadcast Notice to Mariners for advisories.

The U.S. Navy will also conduct training in the vicinity of Agat Bay and Outer Apra Harbor on Sept. 7-11, from 1pm to 11:55pm. Simulated ammunition will be used in this training. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity and are advised to remain clear of units in the area. 

The U.S. Navy will conduct training in Dandan-Malojloj and Radio Barrigada on Sept. 7-11 from 1pm to 11:55pm. Simulated ammunition will be used in this training. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they hear or see increased activity. 

These trainings support readiness and are critical to developing the skills needed to respond to operational missions throughout the region to ensure a stable, free, and open Indo-Pacific. (PR)

3 arrested in Guam for fishing in MPA 
MANGILAO, Guam—The Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Section recently arrested three persons for allegedly illegally fishing in the Piti Bomb Holes, a Marine Preserve Area. Conservation officers seized a total of 81 assorted reef fish, one octopus, one lobster – impaled and undersized, two squid and miscellaneous fishing paraphernalia.  The suspects are Tamiano Tony, 49, from Agana Heights; B-More Kupo, 30, from Dededo; and R-Heart Tok, 22, from Dededo. (PR)