FBI Honolulu media relations coordinator and special agent Tom Simon also told Variety they are expecting a week of search work using Labrador Retriever Pohaku that was given a full rest yesterday.
“We’re going to interview the witness who interacted with the male individual with a birthmark on his face, and show some pictures if it rings a bell,” Simon told Variety.
Simon said the FBI considers the disappearance of the Luhk sisters as a kidnapping case.
He explained that the FBI is not a missing persons’ investigating agency, but will be involved in possible kidnapping cases, if requested by local authorities. Kidnapping is a federal crime.
“The FBI has no reasons to believe that the 1998 disappearance case and the Luhk sisters’ case are connected,” Simon told Variety.
Simon was referring to the case of Rosaline Santos Camacho who was reported missing in 1998.
Elbert Quitugua, the grandfather of the missing girls, issued a statement to the Variety, requesting that “his name be removed or never be mentioned whatsoever with regard to the unsolved mysterious disappearance” of Rosaline Santos Camacho.
“The ongoing investigation is unrelated,” Quitugua said.
He expressed disappointment that his name was mentioned in news reports regarding Camacho’s disappearance. “It is a direct offense against my family that is struggling with pain and suffering as someone took our girls from us.”
“To suggest that the disappearance” of the Luhk sisters and Camacho “are connected is irresponsible reporting,” said Quitugua, referring to the Saipan Tribune story last week.
“We continue to appeal from the general public for prayers and support, and any useful information for the FBI and [the Department of Public Safety] as they piece together this crime,” Quitugua said.
A $33,500 reward money is being offered for any information leading to the recovery of Faloma and Maleina Luhk or the prosecution of those behind their disappearance.
Call 911, the FBI at 322-6934, the girls’ family hotline at 285-4048 or the Crime Stoppers at 234-7272.
