Mayor RB seeks FBI, DEA help amid burglary concerns

Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho said he is preparing to seek assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration as residents report an increase in burglaries, thefts, and drug-related activity following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

The mayor's comments come after the latest reported burglary at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, where a rock was reportedly thrown through a window to gain entry into the facility.

“Yesterday I was in my office and I'm preparing a letter to seek help from the FBI and DEA, the drug enforcement, because I'm getting a lot of calls about drugs in the community, heavy drugs. Also, a lot of crimes, the theft cases, burglary cases,” Camacho said during the United Filipino Organization's commemoration of the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day last June 12.

He also said he wants to meet with Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas to discuss recent crime reports and police deployment.

“I want to sit down with the commissioner because I totally disagree for the police officer to be placed on the stationary post for guarding, whatever,” Camacho said. “I need a police officer out there in the field to start rooming around in the village.”

The mayor said many residents displaced by Super Typhoon Sinlaku have relocated elsewhere while leaving belongings behind at damaged homes.

“A lot of people that have been displayed during the typhoon and now they relocate, but their personal belongings still remain in their property,” he said. “So those are the reported missing items.”

Camacho said community involvement will be critical in addressing the problem.

“I want to ask the community, let's start policing each other,” he said. “We need help. I know the police officer cannot be all over at one time.”

The mayor said he plans to revive the Neighborhood Watch program that he launched while serving as chairman of the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council.

“Yes, we do have this neighborhood watch. And I will continue to revive that,” Camacho said.

He added, “And that's the words I mentioned, let's police each other. And that's part of that neighborhood program.”

Camacho urged residents to report criminal activity even when family members may be involved.

“You love your family member, report that family member so the system can fix that problem on your family member,” he said. “So again, we cannot solve problems by just covering a family member that committing a crime.”

Ironically, Camacho made his remarks during the aforementioned UFO event, where organizers reported that a banner they had hung the night before at the UFO Pavilion in Garapan had disappeared before the morning ceremony.

Camacho said he intends to discuss residents' concerns directly with Macaranas.

“I want to call the commissioner to meet with him in regards to all these complaints that I've been getting,” Camacho said. “I want to sit down with commissioner Macaranas on this case.”

Camacho said he will continue pursuing federal assistance.

“But I will still continue to send a letter to the FBI and DEA that I'm seeking help here, especially drugs,” he said.