AN ALUMNUS of the University of San Carlos was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Justice of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Atty. Leonito Bacalando Jr. will be the first-ever Filipino to serve the post. He will be at the forefront of driving progress and reinforcing Micronesia’s position on the global stage.

“In my current role as Secretary of Justice of Micronesia, I take immense pride in being a Carolinian dedicated to the administration of justice and upholding the rule of law,” he said.

“My personal commitment is to serve not only as a lawyer but also as a bridge between the law and the people it is meant to serve,” he added.

Prior to his appointment as Secretary and Attorney General, he served as Chief of Law and Assistant Attorney General from 2008 to 2023 and then as Acting Secretary of Justice of Micronesia until his confirmation by the FSM Congress.

In these roles, he has been at the forefront of addressing complex legal issues related to the enforcement of international maritime agreements, maritime boundaries, and oceanic resource management.