'He never stopped leading': CNMI bids farewell to late governor Arnold Palacios

RNZ News

3 days ago

Arnold Palacios was laid to rest following a motorcade and procession to the Marpi Public Cemetery, where he was honored by a 21-gun salute.
Photo:
Mark Rabago
The Commonwealth of Nothern Mariana Islands' late governor Arnold Palacios was eulogised by his successor, David Apatang as a hard worker who never stopped leading.
"He never stopped leading," Apatang said in his remarks during the former governor's state funeral on Saturday at the Pedro P Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
"Governor Palacios and I teamed up to win the 22nd general election. He and I committed to winning the confidence of our Commonwealth people. I know he never wavered. He and I agreed to. And that was to rebuild public trust in our government."
Apatang said he and Palacios knew the road to economic recovery was going to be a tough as soon as they were sworn to office in January 2023, with the effects of Covid-19 still lingering on the global economy, causing economic implosion of the global market giants, turning the CNMI's chances of regaining economic strength less favorable.
"Since governor Palacios and I took office, until the day he left us, we never once stopped to think whether all our efforts were worth it. In my morning sit-downs with him, governor Palacios and I in his office, I would often see how he carried a great burden on his shoulders."
Apatang said Palacios deliberately tried to find ways to move the CNMI forward, and his strong will was evident by his fierceness to do more than what he did the day before.
Office of Governor Arnold Palacios. 19 July 2024
Photo:
Facebook / Office of Governor Arnold I. Palacios
"In his eyes, I would see a tired spirit, but in his voice, I would sense his persistence to keep going. He never relented. He often said he wished our challenges were simpler. He went home tired, came back the next day still exhausted, but he never stopped showing up."
He promised to continue Palacios' policies, aimed at long-term solutions rather than quick short-sighted fixes.
"Governor Palacios had hopes and never once doubted himself that our Commonwealth would not return to calmer waters.
"Governor, you and I walked into the doors of the administration building together on that proud day on 9 January 2023. You left unexpectedly before our term in office was done. But I promise you this: I will walk out those same doors when it is time with you in heart."
Apatang offered his sincerest condolences to Palacios' widow, first lady Wella, and the rest of the Palacios family in his untimely passing.
Guam governor Lou Leon Guerrero also spoke during the state funeral on what she described as a "final farewell to my friend, Arnold."
"I have witnessed firsthand his commitment and his passion and his love for his culture, for his people, for his family," she said.
"I have witnessed his compassion, his clarity, and his strength in communicating to Congress, in communicating to the White House, in communicating with his federal partners, whether it is in the White House, in the National Governors Association, in the Pacific Island Forums, in the Micronesian Island Forums, locally, regionally, and globally.
"He has represented amazingly well the people of CNMI."
Leon Guerrero said she was very honored and proud to work alongside Palacios, and she and the late governor tag-teamed in many ways in advocating for the Marianas-the CNMI and Guam.
"When he was advocating for a stronger economy, I was right there supporting him. When I was asking for funding for a hospital in Guam, he was right there with me, supporting Guam. I will certainly miss my friend, Arnold. Know that he fought hard for his life."
She then promised Apatang and Mendiola that they would also get her and Guam's full support as they take over the leadership of the CNMI.
"I want you to know that Guam will be right there alongside you. We will continue supporting, working hard for our neighbors, as together we cannot be divided. We need to be united for the success of our people."
After Apatang and Leon Guerrero's remarks, memorial tributes poured in for first lady Wella Palacios and the rest of the Palacios family.
Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hines presented a United States flag as a symbol of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service of Palacios. That particular flag was flown over the United States Capitol on 23 July 2025, the day Palacios passed.
US Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs deputy assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs Angel Demapan also presented a memorial wreath to the Palacios family.
US Navy Rear Admiral Josh Lasky, commander of Joint Task Force Micronesia, then presented the United States flag to first lady Wella Palacios.
The CNMI and Guam legislatures, CNMI Judiciary, Guam Judiciary, mayors of Saipan, Tinian and Aguigan, Rota, and the Northern Islands, Lions Club International District 204, also presented resolutions and mementos honoring the late governor.
The state funeral was followed by a public viewing and the mass of the Christian burial at the Mount Carmel Cathedral.
Donna Flores, Palacios' daughter, described the burden of eulogising another departed family member, and a father figure at that.
She said even during Palacios' last moments, he remained calm, which was a signature of his abbreviated term as governor.
"He was coherent the entire time. The doctors were explaining his CT scan results to him, updating him on the situation with the receiving hospitals and transport, and clearly expressing the excruciating pain he was in. But despite the chaos, he remained calm, knowing very well that time was of the essence. And in retrospect, I believe coming to terms with his fate."
In an attempt to distract him from the physical pain he was experiencing, Flores shared random things and, at one point, relayed that a lot of people were outside the Commonwealth Health Center worried about him.
"He asked, like who? I listed a few and then said, even Thomas Manglona is out there with his camera waiting. He gave me that look and said, 'Oh, what's Thomas saying?' So, I pulled out my phone and read it to him. He gave a slight grin."
Flores said another trait that made the late governor special was his ability to win everyone's respect, even if someone had a different opinion of him.
"When he would hear that someone out there doesn't like him or isn't happy with him, he would make an effort to get to you and change your mind. If not, at least he knew he made that effort. He came in with an open heart and mind and with a willingness to come together to find a common cause. Not always the same exact answer, but a common cause."
She also had this message to Palacios' critics: "If by any chance you know of anyone holding a negative opinion of him, I highly recommend self-reflection. And if you don't agree, then I respectfully ask that you forgive him. To all of you who have worked alongside governor Palacios over the years, I want to thank you for your service and for carrying on his legacy."
Frankie Eliptico, a representative of the Palacios family, said the late governor loved the CNMI and its people deeply, and that he dedicated an entire lifetime to serving the Commonwealth.
"Seeing so many of you here today united in grief and remembrance is a powerful testament to the legacy that he leaves behind. While we mourn the great loss of a remarkable leader, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose and an unshakable commitment to the betterment, to the growth, and to the forward momentum of the Commonwealth."
Later that day, Palacios was laid to rest following a motorcade and procession to the Marpi Public Cemetery, where he was honored by a 21-gun salute.