Torres keeps eye on N. Korea issue

The North Korea issue may be calming down, with its leader appearing to be holding off on an imminent launch of missiles into waters near Guam, but Gov. Ralph DLG Torres continues to monitor the situation.

In a statement to Saipan Tribune, the Torres administration assured that the Commonwealth government “will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.”

“My administration, through the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, just released fact sheets and tips in the chance that a shelter-in-place is necessary,” Torres said in the statement.

“Regardless of any change in threat level, we are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of everyone who calls these islands home. As we continue to monitor the ongoing events, we will continue to be responsive and transparent on any new information from Guam and the Department of Defense,” he added.

The high tension in the region prompted the local Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management yesterday to disseminate information on how to take “shelter in place,” including basic medical and survival kits for families.

For more information, visit the HSEM website at www.cnmihsem.gov.mp or call 237-8000 or 664-8000.

In yesterday’s daily briefing on the North Korean threat, Guam Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio said that based on the Guam government’s assessments, there were no indication that the island would be facing a missile attack “in the near future or in the distant future.”

North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported earlier in the day that leader Kim Jong Un had examined plans for a launch. It quoted Kim as saying he would watch what he called the “foolish and stupid conduct of the Yankees” a little more before deciding whether to order a test.

Tenorio said “we’re happy that he has taken a look at their plans” and appears to be holding off on a launch.

“There is no change to our threat assessment and we operating as usual,” said Tenorio, adding that the government and the tourism on the island continues to grow “without major changes in our forecast.”

At a Guam Visitors Bureau membership meeting, yesterday GVB president and CEO Nathan Denight said the latest numbers show that Guam’s tourism was up 5 percent despite the North Korean threats against the island.

Guam Homeland Security adviser George Charfauros Jr. echoed the unchanged threat assessment.

Tenorio said they were in communication with Guam Homeland Security Office as well as the Joint Region Marianas.

“We trust that our country, including our President’s assertion to protect our island, are going to be held to his word,” said Tenorio.

Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU) said in a statement yesterday that she was “heartened by reports that North Korea has decided, for now, to walk back their threats of an imminent attack on or around Guam.”

According to her statement, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis and U.S. General Joseph Dunford’s “firm statements” sent a clear message to North Korea: Attacks toward Guam is an act of war.

According to news reports, Mattis said that if North Korea fires a missile toward the U.S., it would “escalate into war very quickly.” It was also reported that Mattis stressed that should a missile be fired toward Guam or the U.S., “we’ll take it out.”

Along with the firm statements by U.S. officials, Bordallo stressed that this was Trump’s way of “signaling his commitment to Guam’s defense.”

“While I remain confident that our island is safe and well-protected, I hope that all parties will work to further de-escalate tensions and ensure stability in the region.”

Dozens held signs and waved Guam’s flag during a rally for peace in the U.S. territory.

Participants chanted “Peace, not war, that’s what our island is for.” Demonstrators sang Guam’s hymn and blew kulo or shell trumpets.

Melvin Won Pat-Borja says many people in the community are frustrated, scared and worried. The 35-year-old says it’s not a good feeling to have your life threatened. (With AP)