Shawn Raymundo

Pacific Daily News

Amid new threats of a ballistic missile strike on Guam from North Korea, Guam’s Homeland Security office Wednesday said there is no imminent threat to the island and the Marianas region.

Based on communications with military and federal officials, Gov. Eddie Calvo said there's no change in the threat level to Guam, and he encouraged the public to remain calm.

“This is not the time to panic,” Calvo told reporters during a press conference at Adelup on Wednesday afternoon. “There have been many statements out there that have been made by a very bellicose leader, but at this point there’s been no change in the security situation here on Guam. I’ve gotten assurances from all levels, both local command and Washington, D.C., that this island will be defended.”

Calvo also noted that officials are confident in the layers of defense over Guam and the U.S.

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Guam Homeland Security Advisor George Charfauros said the island is protected by the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, missile system permanently stationed at Andersen Air Force Base as well as other missile defense systems in the region.

"All of those put together, there’s .00001 percent chance of that missile getting through that layer," Charfauros said during the conference.

Guam has faced similar threats from North Korea in recent years, most recently in 2013, according to news files. North Korean military officials in March 2013 made a statement about the Andersen base being within "striking range."

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And in October 2006, an unofficial spokesman for North Korea in Japan told ABC Radio Australia that Guam, Japan and Hawaii were potential targets if the U.N. levied tougher sanctions against North Korea, news files state.

Whether Guam is facing potential man-made or natural threats, Calvo said the island knows how to be resilient and plan for any contingency. Because of past experiences, the governor said Guam is the best American community when it comes to coordination and dialogue with the military.

Calvo said his administration will continue to provide information when it becomes available.

Trust in God, military

When asked about the latest threat, residents said they are concerned, and are placing their trust in God and the U.S. military. There wasn't much faith expressed in President Trump, however.

“It’s kind of scary, because we don't know what this guy is capable of," said Yigo Mayor Rudy Matanane about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "I hope our mother country does what’s right for us,” he said. “This guy, I don’t think he cares. He’s killed his family, so what (about) us, who he doesn’t even know?”

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“It’s scary. I just hope the military can protect us,” said Mangilao resident Astright Villagomez, 50.

"The threat is pretty scary," said Graceful Fiden, 28, of Tumon. "It's going on further, so we should worry about it."

Fiden said he believes in the military presence on Guam, together with the United States, but is not confident in Trump's ability to make Guam feel safe.

"I think he's probably the reason why all these things (are) going on," Fiden said.

Poll: Rate your level of concern about North Korea's recent threat to attack Guam. Poll closes at 5 p.m. Aug. 10, 2017.

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Earlier in the day, Calvo said he contacted the White House.

"An attack or threat to Guam is a threat or attack on the United States. They have said that America will be defended," Calvo said.

"I am working with Homeland Security, the Rear Admiral, and the United States to ensure our safety," he said. "I want to reassure the people of Guam that currently there is no threat to our island or the Marianas. I spoke to Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, who confirmed this with me."

Charfauros said, "As of this morning, we have not changed our stance in confidence that the U.S. Department of Defense is monitoring this situation very closely and is maintaining a condition of readiness, daily." Residents should remain calm, he said.

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"Remember that there are defenses in place for threats such as North Korea and to continue to remain prepared for all hazards," he said.

'Fire and fury'

National news reports about the missile threat came in Wednesday morning Guam time after South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that North Korea’s military said it’s considering launching a missile to strike near U.S. military installations on Guam.

After the Washington Post published an article on North Korea’s missile capabilities, reporting that the country has made a nuclear warhead small enough to fit inside its missiles, President Donald Trump responded.

“North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States,” Trump told reporters from the clubhouse of his Bedminster, N.J. golf course.

The president also lashed out at the North Korean leader, stating that he “has been very threatening beyond a normal state, and as I said they will be met with fire and fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before.”

Greg Kuntz, acting public affairs director for Joint Region Marianas, said the military on Guam is maintaining its state of readiness, as it does on a daily basis. "That’s what we’re here for.”

According to Guam Homeland Security, Charfauros and the Defense department are in regular contact with each other, and Gov. Calvo is supposed to meet with military officials to determine any update to the military stance.

READ MORE:

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Government Accountability Reporter Shawn Raymundo covers local politics and the territory’s executive and legislative branches. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnzyTsunami and Instagram @Shawn_Del_Mundo. Follow Pacific Daily News on Facebook/GuamPDN and Instagram @guampdn.