Wife of Matubis again appeals for help, believes someone holding him

The wife of the missing Filipino surveyor, Alex Matubis, believes that he is still alive and that someone is possibly holding him.

Malou Matubis once again has appealed to the community to help her locate her husband, who has been reported missing since last July 30.

Mrs. Matubis arrived on the island last Sept. 7 after learning of her husband’s mysterious disappearance.

In an interview with Saipan Tribune on Saturday, Mrs. Matubis said if Alex is suffering mental problems he could have somehow surfaced.

She said that, on July 29 at 10am, her husband even sent her money and that he left his passport in the barracks.

Later that afternoon, Mrs. Matubis said, somebody saw him withdrawing money from First Hawaiian Bank.

That same day, the 47-year-old surveyor, did not return to his barracks. The following day he was supposed to return to Tinian where his company has a project.

Mrs. Matubis said that, on July 31, Minda Castro, the husband of his employer, called to inform her that he was not seen anymore.

After spending 45 days vacationing in the Philippines, Alex Matubis went back to Saipan last June 28.

On July 28, he went to Tinian for a project. The following day, Castro picked him up at the Saipan airport.

The Matubis couple have two children.

Mrs. Matubis said they don’t have problem because he is very religious and supportive to the family.

Mrs. Matubis and activist Irene Tantiado showed up during Saturday’s induction of officers of the Association of Filipino Engineers and Architects (MAFEA) where Alex Matubis is a member.

MAFEA members and officers provided financial support to Mrs. Matubis and vowed to help her in finding her husband.

Earlier, police said there are indications that Alex Matubis is still alive and wandering around the island.

Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division chief, Maj. Edward H. Manalili, had stated that investigators found so far no traces of foul play behind the disappearance.

“We’re working on leads, pursuing leads very aggressively,” the major said. “His safety is our utmost importance.”

Manalili believes that Mr. Matubis is still alive considering that after his disappearance was reported in the newspapers on Aug. 8, he was later sighted in Marpi area that led to the discovery of his blue Toyota pick-up truck near Kalabera Cave on Aug. 19.

The major noted that the hood of the truck was still hot when investigators found the vehicle.

“He might need medical help,” Manalili said, adding that very depressed people like to be alone.

The CID chief is asking anybody from the community to call his office at 664-9042/45, 911 or the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 234-7272 of any sightings of Mr. Matubis.