Anthony I. Macaranas denies the accusations of inappropriate and demeaning remarks toward female employees, but the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence says his reinstatement as Department of Public Safety commissioner still raises serious concerns about public trust and could discourage victims from reporting misconduct.
The coalition, which supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence, warns that DPS leadership decisions carry significant weight in shaping whether people feel safe coming forward. The group says it has spoken directly with the individuals who filed the complaint and is honoring their request to remain anonymous. It says it believes them, supports them, and stands with them.
Advocates say sexual harassment is serious in any workplace, but especially troubling when it involves the CNMI’s highest‑ranking law enforcement officer. DPS’ mission emphasizes integrity, trust and the highest professional standards — values the coalition says are undermined when a leader accused of misconduct is returned to the post.
Reinstating such a figure, the coalition says, risks eroding public confidence, particularly among victims and survivors who must decide whether they feel safe reporting harm. Leadership choices, it adds, influence how the public views institutions responsible for protecting community safety.
The group also notes that delayed reporting is common in cases of sexual harassment and sexual violence. Victims may wait due to fear of retaliation, concerns about their careers, trauma, stigma or uncertainty about how their report will be received. Advocates stress that there is no single timeline for when a person may feel ready to come forward.
Gov. David Apatang recently reinstated Macaranas as DPS commissioner, reversing the termination issued by acting governor Dennis Mendiola on Feb. 23 while Apatang was in Washington, D.C., for 902 consultations.
After the termination, DPS’ human resources office filed a complaint with the Civil Service Commission accusing Macaranas of inappropriate and demeaning remarks toward female employees, along with other allegations of unprofessional conduct.
Macaranas denies the accusations.
