Palacios medevacked to Hawaii

Arnold I. Palacios

Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, who collapsed during a break while giving testimony at the Guma Hustisia last Tuesday, was medically evacuated to Hawaii Friday morning, according to Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. chief executive officer Esther L. Muña.

Speaking during a radio press briefing Friday, Muña said that a military plane was used to transport Palacios. “Lt. Gov. Palacios is now en route to Hawaii with this military transfer,” Muña had said, adding that Palacios needs a high level of care that is not available here in the CNMI or Guam. It was learned that Palacios is now confined at the Queen’s Healthcare Center in Honolulu.

In a message from Palacios’ wife, Wella Palacios, yesterday regarding the status of her husband, she said: “On behalf of Arnold, myself and our children, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all who played a part in responding my husband’s health situation. Thank you to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. medical team, the Department of Defense, military personnel, friends and family. We are humbled by the outpouring of love, support, prayers and well wishes from the community. As of now, Arnold is doing well and following his doctor’s orders to rest here at the hospital. We ask for your continued prayers and we will keep everyone back home updated on the status of his health.”

Earlier on Friday, Muña thanked Gov. Ralph DLG Torres for his support to get Palacios transferred to a higher level of care in Hawaii, the closest point.

“Gov. Torres really did play a big part in ensuring all the motions are moving forward to assist our lieutenant governor,” she said.

At the same press briefing. Torres urged the CNMI community to “pray for the lieutenant governor’s swift recovery and get him into in good health.” Torres said.

Palacios, 66, was rushed to the Commonwealth Health Center Tuesday after he collapsed during a break while giving testimony in the criminal case against Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres.

The Office of the Lt. Governor issued a statement Friday that Palacios was transported from Saipan to Honolulu, Hawaii via military aircraft for additional testing and treatment and that Palacios arrived Friday afternoon and is resting comfortably in his room at the Queens Medical Center.

The statement assured that Palacios is in stable condition and, while still experiencing pain in his lower back, he remains in good spirits.

The statement says the lieutenant governor wishes to thank the community for the outpouring of prayers and support for him and his family.

“The Office of the Lieutenant Governor will continue to provide updates as they become available,” it added.

Palacios, a Republican, is running for governor as an independent candidate, with Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang as his running mate in the Nov. 8 general election.