A dog brought one of the bones to the residence of the animal’s owner, Paul Cruz, who then reported it to the police.
The FBI said based on initial findings, the decomposition of the bones did not start on May 25 or when Faloma Luhk,10, and her sister Meleina Luhk, 9, were reported missing.
But this may also suggest that if the bones belonged to one of the victims, she would have been kept alive for a certain period of time, Variety was told.
Variety learned that found near the bones were a young girl’s underwear and a pair of zorries.
As of 4 p.m., federal and local authorities were still searching the area near an abandoned house on Puteng Dr. and Lalanghita St. The house, which is almost covered with palm trees and is barely visible, is owned by the family of Tina Concepcion Pangelinan who arrived at the scene after learning about the search that started at around 10 a.m.
Some residents said “something has been stinking” in the area during the last two weeks.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ramon C. Mafnas said the bones will be tested for DNA on Saipan.
The authorities have been investigating the disappearance of Faloma and Meleina who were last seen on May 25, 2011 at about 6 a.m., leaving their residence in As Teo. Witnesses saw the two sisters sitting across from the bus stop on a drainage cement slab at about 6:10 a.m.
They missed their 6:30 a.m. bus to Kagman Elementary School.
In a statement to the media, acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos assured the public that a full investigation of this discovery has been ongoing since it was reported to police on Sunday morning. Inos also sought the public’s patience to allow for a swift and thorough investigation.
“In an effort to ensure a thorough and proper investigation into this matter, I am urging everyone in the community to allow the appropriate authorities to carry on with their operations as we search for answers relating to this development,” said Inos.
Officials from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Health have coordinated efforts to collect and secure the bones from the scene of discovery, he added.
“Given that this type of situation may have the tendency to escalate rumors and speculation, I respectfully encourage everyone to rely on official information coming from the appropriate authorities,” Inos said.
