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Mafnas: DPS, FBI continue seeking info on Luhk sisters’ disappearance
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Posted on Oct 20 2011
By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter
Reporter
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ramon C. Mafnas said yesterday that DPS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation continue to seek the public’s help for information that could help solve the mysterious disappearance of sisters Faloma and Maleina Luhk.
In an email to the Saipan Tribune, Mafnas said that DPS and the FBI share the Luhk family’s deep desire to bring this matter to a closure. “We humbly ask for the community’s patience and cooperation,” he said.
He declined to release any additional information about the case at this time “to guard and protect the strength and integrity of the case.”
As for the human remains found in Kagman last Aug. 14, Mafnas said part of the remains was sent off-island for forensic examination and analysis. He said they received a request for additional remains for forensic purposes.
“That request is currently being processed,” he said.
Mafnas said that confirmation by way of forensic evidence, scientific analysis, and medical examination is the most prudent route to determine the identity of the remains, time of death, and possibly the cause of death.
Determining the cause of death is proving difficult, Mafnas said, because of the condition and the disturbance in which the remains were subjected to and discovered under,
“Regardless that we have no forensic evidence to positively identify the remains and make an official determination and final pronouncement at this moment, we respectfully reach out to the family and friends who share the grief and hardship brought about by this tragedy. Please accept our condolences,” Mafnas said.
A set of human bones was discovered last Aug. 14 at a residential area in Kagman after a dog dragged a leg bone to a house. Investigators later determined that the bones belong to an old man.
Family members strongly believe that the remains belong to 72-year-old Ricardo Muna Quitugua, who lived in a shack in the area and has since disappeared.
