Superior Court dismisses TRO vs Ogo filed by Borja in assault case

The Superior Court has dismissed the Temporary Restraining Order taken out by Maryann Borja against Rowina Ogo to essentially prohibit Ogo from going near the complainant, whom she allegedly assaulted at a bakery in Dan Dan.

Last Tuesday, Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio issued an order dismissing the TRO taken out by Borja against Ogo due to lack of familial relationship. 

Borja took out a TRO against Ogo pursuant to the Domestic and Family Violence Act of 2000, or Public Law 12-19. 

“Based on the matters adduced and the testimony proffered at the hearing, the court found a lack of familial relationship defined by Public Law 12-19. Therefore this matter is hereby dismissed,” the judge stated. 

In a statement from Borja, she said she previously filed her TRO pro se, or without representation by a lawyer. She expects to file another TRO soon through a lawyer. 

Meanwhile in an interview with Ogo, she shared that she just recently learned that this is the second TRO taken out against her by Borja. The first was dismissed due to the same reasons. 

“She was denied because we are not related,” she said. 

Although the TRO has been dismissed, Ogo shared that she is still facing misdemeanor charges for the alleged assault against Borja. 

She is set to appear before the court again on August 29 for her arraignment. 

“I can’t say much about what happened in regards to the assault case as it is still an ongoing matter. However, all I can say is everyone has a button and if you keep pushing that button, it will eventually break. That button, for me, broke and I made a promise and I just kept my word,” she said. 

Ogo, who is represented by Stephen Nutting, is a well-established entrepreneur on Saipan and Rota, and is also the former sister-in-law of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. 

According to Saipan Tribune archives, Borja claims that she was at Herman’s Bakery buying bread when she was attacked just as she was leaving. She claims that she was “thrown” against a fixture just outside the bakery before she felt a person’s hands grasp her neck and “strangle” her.

During the struggle, Borja said she clearly saw that it was Ogo who was assaulting her and she was stunned. In a photo of Borja circulating on social media after the altercation, it appeared as though Borja sustained cuts and scratches to her neck as a result of the fight.