NMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios dies at 69 on Wednesday evening
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Northern Mariana Islands, has died at the age of 69 on Wednesday night, July 23.
Acting Gov. David M. Apatang’s office sent out the announcement at 11 p.m. and offered condolences and sympathy to first lady Wella Palacios and their children and families.
“I am deeply in sorrow and I join Wella and the families grief during this time of mourning as we pray and remember my friend, Governor Palacios, for his sacrifice and life of public service for all,” Apatang said.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios visited Guam in March 2025 to meet with Secretary of Defense Peter B. Hegseth. Photo by Skyler Obispo
Details regarding memorial services and public tributes will be announced in the coming days, according to the announcement.
The announcement noted Palacios’ service of over more than three decades, from the Legislature to his time as lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, president of the Senate, and as governor.
“He was a tireless advocate for good governance, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the well-being of all who call the Marianas home,” according to the announcement. “Governor Palacios leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, perseverance, humility, visionary leadership, and a deep love for the Commonwealth and its people. He will be remembered as a unifier, a steady hand during times of challenge, and a leader who never wavered in his belief in the strength and resilience of the people he served.”
Earlier that day, he was reportedly medically evacuated to the Guam Regional Medical City following a medical incident. mbj
With Super Typhoon Bavi now packing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and forecast to strengthen further as it moves toward the Marianas, emergency officials are urging businesses and residents to treat this weekend as their critical window to prepare for potentially damaging winds.
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are now in Condition of Readiness 3 as Typhoon Bavi approaches, with both governors urging residents and businesses to use the remaining hours of fair weather to prepare.
Task Force Talon relinquished command to the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-43 ADA), ushering in a new battalion to take over Guam’s air missile defense systems.
Emergency management agencies across the region are urging residents and businesses to execute disaster preparedness plans as Tropical Storm 09W is forecast to rapidly intensify and potentially strike Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a Category four super typhoon.
