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Manalili says missing Matubis may be alive
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Posted on Sep 06 2008
There are indications that the missing Filipino worker, Alex Matubis, is still alive and is wandering around Saipan, according to Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division chief, Maj. Edward H. Manalili.
In an interview with Saipan Tribune Friday, Manalili said investigators have so far found no traces of foul play behind the disappearance of the 47-year-old worker.
“We’re working on leads, pursuing leads very aggressively,” the major said. “His safety is of utmost importance.”
The CID chief said they have been coordinating with the Philippine Consulate General in trying to locate Matubis, a drafter and cartographer who was reported missing last July 30.
Manalili believes that Matubis is still alive since, after his disappearance was reported in the papers on Aug. 8, he was later sighted in the Marpi area, leading to the discovery of his blue Toyota pickup truck near the Kalabera Cave on Aug. 19.
The police official noted that the hood of the truck was still warm when investigators found the vehicle.
He said family members have reported that Matubis was acting strangely when he came back to Saipan after vacationing in the Philippines.
“He might need medical help,” Manalili said, adding that very depressed people like to be alone.
The CID chief is asking anybody in the community to call his office at 664-9042/45, 911 or the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 234-7272 for any sightings of Matubis.
“We are hoping to locate him and get him the medical attention he might need,” Manalili said.
Sources said that Matubis’ wife in the Philippines is very worried. Before his disappearance, the Filipino worker had reportedly sent money to the wife in the amount equivalent to four months salary, sources said.
Matubis reportedly arrived on Saipan last July 28 after conducting work on Tinian.
