The sisters have been missing since May 25.
“Upon request, DPS will protect their identity, if they choose to remain anonymous,” Mafnas said in an email to Variety.
He said “DPS encourages witnesses, or anyone, with information to come forward.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it will go after anyone who tampers with a witness, which is considered obstruction of justice.
A source earlier told Variety that fear appeared to be preventing potential witness or witnesses from disclosing what they knew behind the disappearance of the school children who missed their early morning bus ride in As Teo on May 25.
“If anyone engages in threats or intimidation of a government witness, they will be dealt with harshly by the full force of the FBI,” its special agent Tom Simon told Variety in an email.
Mafnas said DPS continue to focus on its investigation, about which the department “cannot elaborate.”
“Searches will also continue on selected sites only, and selected search sites will not be revealed henceforth,” Mafnas added.
The total reward money for any information leading to the recovery of the sisters or prosecution of person or persons behind their disappearance is $50,000.
Call 911, the FBI at 322-6934, the girls’ family hotline at 285-4048 or the Crime Stoppers at 234-7272.
