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Guam News, Tamuning (2026)

30/05/2026

The University of Guam Drone Corps is accepting applications for its sixth cohort, offering students, faculty and partner-organization employees the chance to become federally licensed remote pilots through immersive drone training.

Administered by NASA Guam Space Grant and NASA Guam EPSCoR, the program prepares participants to earn FAA Part 107b certification and gain hands-on experience using drones for research and industry applications across the region. For the second year, eligibility extends beyond UOG and Guam Community College students to include UOG faculty and staff as well as invited natural resource employees from partner organizations.

The most recent cohort certified 13 participants drawn from UOG, GCC and partner agencies including the UOG Marine Laboratory, Guam Coral Reef Initiative, the Guam EPA and the nonprofit Tåno, Tåsi, yan Todu. Since its establishment in 2021, the program has produced more than 50 federally certified remote pilots.

The program will again partner with local provider 2cofly to host an in-person knowledge course covering drone operations, safety, airspace regulations and mission planning, with FAA exam fees covered. This year's course is tentatively scheduled for July 27 through Aug. 7.

UOG Drone Corps members recently supported post-Typhoon Sinlaku damage assessments in partnership with the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, surveying impacted coastal and agricultural areas.

The application deadline is Friday, June 26 at 5 p.m. Virtual information webinars are scheduled for June 12 — at 10 a.m. for students and noon for faculty and staff. For more information, email [email protected].

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

📸UOG

30/05/2026

The Supreme Court of Guam has ruled that the governor has authority under the Organic Act to establish hospitals and public health services and that the Attorney General cannot use local law to block the expenditure of federal funds for a new hospital project, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero announced Friday.

According to the governor's office, the court held that the Attorney General "cannot use 5 GCA § 5150 as a veto power that prevents the Governor from expending federal funds to establish a hospital," and that disputes over executive authority must instead be resolved through judicial review.

"This ruling is clear, decisive, and confirms what we have maintained from the very beginning: the law does not give any Attorney General the power to unilaterally block a Governor from building a hospital with federal funds," Leon Guerrero said.

The governor said the ruling vindicated her administration's legal position but came at a cost in lost time. "Unfortunately, being right does not give us back the time that was wasted," she said, adding that delays had "placed federal funding at risk and reduced the amount of time available to put those funds to work for the people of Guam."

Leon Guerrero also criticized Republican legislative leaders, saying they chose inaction while the matter moved through the courts, and raised what she called an election-year question of whether the Legislature and Attorney General would be held accountable.

The governor said her administration is focused on moving forward and maximizing the federal funding that can still be invested in a modern hospital.

Attorney General Douglas B. Moylan, who is not a party to the Governor's Declaratory Judgement case said, "The issues addressed remain before the U.S. District Court of Guam."

✍🏼 Guam News Staff
[email protected]

29/05/2026

Former senator and veteran attorney Tom Fisher has announced his candidacy for Attorney General of Guam in the 2026 election, unveiling a four-part platform he calls the "Fisher Four Pillars."

Fisher's legal career began as a U.S. Navy Judge Advocate in Guam and Hawai'i before he joined the Office of the Attorney General as a prosecutor of violent crimes, eventually serving as First Assistant to the Chief Prosecutor. He later entered private practice and served in the 37th Guam Legislature from 2023 to 2025.

"Guam's justice system is at a critical breaking point," Fisher said, citing what he described as more than 1,000 dismissed cases, staff departures and eroding public confidence. "I am running to bring real courtroom experience back to the executive role, stabilize the OAG, and guarantee that the law protects everyone equally — not just the well connected."

His platform centers on four themes: equal enforcement and elimination of what he called the "pari-pari" system of insider favoritism; government accountability, including pursuing legal action against officials who break the law and stricter enforcement of procurement laws; prosecutorial efficiency, including halting excessive case dismissals and building stronger cases before filing charges; and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children and families in crisis.

Fisher also challenged candidate Phil Tydingco and incumbent Attorney General Doug Moylan to a public debate.

"The voters of Guam deserve to see a side-by-side comparison of our experience, our records, and our visions for public safety," Fisher said.

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

📸Fisher

29/05/2026

The Guam Passport Office is launching a new pilot program designed to make it easier for families to obtain passports, reserving Wednesdays exclusively for family appointments throughout the summer.

The "Passports for the Pack" program kicks off Wednesday, June 3, and continues every Wednesday through July. The dedicated time is set aside solely for families seeking passport services.

"We recognize that obtaining passports can be challenging for families due to work and school schedules, and we are excited to offer this program to make the process more manageable and family-friendly," said Department of Revenue and Taxation Deputy Director Denise Mendiola.

To qualify as a family, there must be at least one child under 18 accompanied by at least one parent, legal guardian, court-appointed custodian or designated third-party appointee. Appointments are available only by phone reservation on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 671-635-1840, 1841 or 7651. Additional July slots will be released in weekly increments after the June 3 launch.

When booking, families should be prepared to provide the full legal names, current phone numbers and email addresses of everyone applying. Walk-ins and individual passport services remain available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Applicants should visit travel.state.gov for required documents and instructions. Those without proper documentation will not be processed. For more information, email [email protected].

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

📸DRT

28/05/2026

Southern High School's gymnasium recently served as host venue for the ISA High School Boys Volleyball Championship Finals, a milestone the Guam Department of Education credited to a year of refurbishment work that brought the facility up to operational standards.
Over the past year, the gymnasium underwent multiple projects including air conditioning upgrades, restroom renovations and electrical improvements. The work improved the facility for students, staff, athletes and spectators while helping the gym meet the inspection and operational standards needed to host the championship.
"This was a proud moment for our school and southern community," said Southern High School Principal Michael Meno. "From upgraded air conditioning and renovated restrooms to improved electrical systems, these enhancements helped elevate the facility to a level capable of hosting one of the biggest high school athletic events of the year."

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

📸GDOE

28/05/2026

Isaiah Aguon, Chief of Staff and General Manager of J. Goodman LLC, has officially picked up his candidacy packet from the Guam Election Commission for a seat on the Guam Education Board, according to a media release. Running on a platform of accountability, transparency, and student success, Aguon aims to bring a unique perspective to the board.

"As a proud graduate of our island’s public school system, I am deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity, support, and resources needed to succeed, while ensuring Guam Department of Education leadership are held accountable and transparent,” said Aguon in a media release.

Aguon’s commitment is rooted in personal resilience. Raised by a single father and having experienced homelessness and the foster care system, he faced significant adversity during his senior year following the passing of his father, Vincent Peter Cruz Aguon. Despite lacking 3.5 credits to graduate at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he persevered through night school and the school-to-work program. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2020 while working two jobs to support his brothers, Emilio and Calvin.

"I credit much of my success to the 'school-to-work' program at JFKHS," Aguon said. "These experiences demonstrated the importance of practical education and mentorship, opportunities I believe should be accessible to every student in Guam."

His professional background in print, radio, and television news provided him with a firsthand understanding of the concerns facing students, educators, and parents. While covering the education beat, he attended GEB meetings and GDOE leadership briefings to disseminate vital information to the public. Additionally, Aguon previously served in the Guam Legislature as Chief of Staff for Senator Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas and Director of Strategic Communications for Legislative Secretary Sabrina Salas Matanane, where he worked directly with constituents to address the needs of GDOE families.

If elected, Aguon’s top priorities include implementing a mandatory “Back to Basics Life Skills” curriculum covering financial literacy, career readiness, and health and wellness.

"I am ready to move beyond complaints and take direct action to support our students with integrity, transparency, and accountability," he said.

A dedicated community servant, Aguon served on the Board of Directors of Sanctuary Incorporated of Guam—a youth shelter program where he once resided—from February 2023 through October 2025. Following its merger with WestCare Pacific Islands, he continues his service as a member of the Community Action Council.

Aguon is eager to listen to the concerns of students and educators to advance the mission of the GDOE, he said in a media release, humbly asking for your support and your vote on November 3, 2026.

As of May 28, 2026, the following individuals have also signed out packets for the Guam Education Board:

- Ethan Aguon Sanchez
- Suzanne Jean Techaira
- Kenneth R. T. Perez
- Dr. Judith Guthertz, Incumbent
- John Ray Taitano II
- Bertha Sablan Duenas
- Elaine D. Ulloa
- Ronald A. Ayuyu
- Dr. Ron McNinch, Incumbent
- Doris Bukikosa

Current GEB members Dr. Mary Okada is running for Lt. Governor, and Angel Sablan is running for Senator. Maria Gutierrez and Peter Alecxis Ada have not yet picked up their candidacy papers.

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

Photo courtesy of Isaiah Aguon.

28/05/2026

The Tiyan High School Air Force JROTC unit has earned national recognition for the second consecutive year, receiving the AFJROTC Distinguished Unit Award with Merit along with Outstanding Instructor Awards for both of the program's instructors.

The award recognizes top-performing AFJROTC units nationwide for cadet growth, leadership development, instructor contributions and community support. Tiyan's unit also earned a perfect 100 percent unit inspection score for the second straight year and secured multiple awards at the Pacific Region Drill Meet in Hawaii in March.

The program is led by Colonel (Ret.) Frank A. Flores and Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Ronald G. Taitague, both of whom received Outstanding Instructor Awards recognizing their dedication and impact on cadets and the broader community.

"This unit has come a long way from its beginnings, and we are here today because of the hard work of our cadets, instructors, and support from administration and staff," said Cadet Major Lucia Lowe, the unit's Group Commander. "I am proud of everybody in our unit, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of it."

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

📸GDOE

28/05/2026

A repeat offender convicted of possessing a stolen firearm linked to a violent Dededo assault was sentenced Wednesday to eight years in prison, a term the Attorney General's Office said fell far short of what the case warranted.

Judge Alberto E. Tolentino sentenced Rodney Charles Sapp Jr. to the statutory maximum of three years for possession of a firearm without a fi****ms identification card and the statutory minimum of five years for committing a felony while on felony release, with the terms to run consecutively.

Prosecutors had sought the maximum consecutive sentence of 30 years.
"We strongly disagree with the Judge's sentence," Attorney General Douglas Moylan said. "My Administration remains firmly committed to a 'Toughest AG on Crime' approach and will continue to pursue maximum accountability and deterrence for violent repeat offenders who endanger our community."

A jury convicted Sapp on Sept. 23, 2025, after deliberating approximately two hours. Evidence showed that on July 8, 2025, Sapp took a firearm from a victim during a group assault in Dededo, fled the scene with it and stashed it at a residence. The victim, suffered severe facial swelling, lacerations, broken bones near his right eye and minor spinal damage.

Court records show Sapp was on felony release at the time of the offense and had prior convictions for assault, drug possession and DUI. Prosecutors noted he had a long history of failing to appear in court and failing to complete court-ordered treatment programs.

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

📸OAG

27/05/2026

The head of South Korea's state-owned utility giant visited the Governor's Complex Wednesday to express gratitude to the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration for helping keep construction of Guam's new Ukudu power plant on track through eight years of hurricanes, a pandemic and global economic disruption.

KEPCO Chairman and CEO Kim Dong-Cheol will join Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio and Guam Power Authority leadership Thursday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new 198-megawatt facility in Ukudu.

The nearly $600 million plant was built on a 45-acre site purchased in 2018 and overcame Typhoons Mawar and Sinlaku, the COVID-19 pandemic and significant global supply chain disruptions during construction. The state-of-the-art facility includes a 25-megawatt energy storage system and is designed to reduce GPA's oil imports by nearly one million barrels annually. It is also capable of running on liquefied natural gas and was purpose-built to support greater integration of renewable energy, including solar power, into Guam's clean energy plan.

Kim, who also served four terms in South Korea's National Assembly, spoke of KEPCO's willingness to continue partnering with Guam on fortifying its power system going forward. KEPCO currently operates in more than 25 countries, including projects in California, Colorado and New York.

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

📸Governor's Office

27/05/2026

The Office of Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense will host a free three-day cybersecurity training course next month aimed at preparing technical personnel and emergency managers to defend critical infrastructure against network-based attacks.

The Network Traffic Analysis training, designated PER-418, runs Monday, June 29 through Wednesday, July 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the OHS-OCD facility in Agana Heights. The course is offered at no cost to eligible participants through a partnership with the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium.

Participants will be introduced to a range of network traffic analysis methods and tools designed to counter cyberattacks targeting internet, communications, and network-based infrastructure.

The course is open to technical staff and managers from both the public and private sectors supporting critical infrastructure, as well as emergency management partners from the Government of Guam, military, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

To register, visit cybersecuritydefenseinitiative.org/courses/nta-course-guam/.
For more information, contact Training and Exercise Program Manager Patrick Leon Guerrero at (671) 475-9600 or [email protected].

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

27/05/2026

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Guam until 1 p.m., due to heavy rains and reports of urban and small stream flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

The community is urged to practice caution, drive slow and stay alert for low visibility and slippery roads.

✍🏼Guam News Staff
[email protected]

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