Elbert Quitugua, the girls’ grandfather, said their family was already “very agitated” even as more volunteers showed up at their residence in Sta. Lourdes, As Teo, and at the Kagman Community Center to join the search.
CNMI Emergency Management Office chief Jack Omar told the Variety that the helicopter which joined the search yesterday came from the U.S. Navy on Guam.
Crime Stoppers coordinator PO2 Jason Tarkong said authorities continue to receive pieces of information and validating each of them.
Tarkong said they conducted an islandwide checkpoint yesterday.
He said 90 local and federal agents, together with over 200 volunteers, have joined the search.
More volunteers were coming in, he added.
Authorities were also trying to get a bloodhound from the U.S. to join the search.
Quitugua expressed appreciation for the relentless efforts of authorities, volunteers, family members, friends and members of the community.
Anicia Q. Tomokane, his sister, said any information regarding the missing children can be relayed to 285-4048 or 911. The family has also created a website: http://findoursaipangirls.wordpress.com.
DPS issued a commonwealth-wide Amber Alert to locate Faloma, who was last seen wearing a white blouse and a pair of blue jeans, and her sister Maleina, who was last seen wearing a light green shirt with a butterfly design, and blue jeans. Maleina also has a birthmark on her left cheek.
Quitugua said their family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from community who attended last night’s vigil.
He estimated that up to 600 individuals came to the Sta. Lourdes Shrine in As Teo to pray for the safety and recovery of the two children.
