By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
A WOMAN seen in a viral YouTube video claiming to be Faloma Luhk has been identified as a 25-year-old with a criminal record, according to law enforcement sources.
The video, posted early Wednesday by the channel Real Right and Uncut, shows the woman during an interview in which she behaves erratically and claims to be Faloma, one of two sisters who disappeared from Saipan in 2011. At one point, she says, “I’ve been missing.”
Faloma, 10, and her sister, Maleina Luhk, 9, were last seen at a bus stop near their home in As Teo on May 25, 2011. Their disappearance prompted one of the largest search operations in CNMI history, involving local police, federal agents, and hundreds of community volunteers. Despite weeks of coordinated searches, the girls were never found.
Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said she has forwarded the video to the FBI for review.
“I know that this investigation is a matter of great interest not just to the family but to our entire community,” she said. “At this point, it’s in the hands of the proper authorities. Let’s pray to God that these girls are safe.”
In a separate statement on Wednesday, Gov. David M. Apatang said, “I continue to respect and support the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Faloma and Maleina Luhk at both the local and national levels. We remain mindful of the profound impact this matter has had on the family, loved ones, and the broader community, and we recognize the importance of allowing investigative agencies to carry out their work without interference or speculation.”
He added, “With regard to the alleged YouTube video that has recently surfaced claiming the reappearance of Faloma Luhk, we have not received any official verification at this time. My administration defers to the authority and expertise of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is the lead agency on this matter. We trust that all available information will be thoroughly assessed and verified through the appropriate investigative channels.”
Apatang said until “official findings are released by the responsible authorities, I encourage the public to exercise caution in sharing or drawing conclusions from unverified information and to allow investigators the space necessary to conduct their work.”
Variety learned from law enforcement sources that the woman in the video is Mia Ayers, 25, who has a police record in the United States. Her alleged offenses include robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons and possession or receipt of stolen property.
The video has nonetheless reignited public attention to the Luhk sisters’ case, which marked its 15th anniversary last month. This year, Maleina would be 24 and Faloma 25.
According to the FBI, Faloma was last seen wearing a light green shirt with a butterfly design and blue jeans. Maleina was last seen wearing a white blouse and blue jeans.
A reward of up to $25,000 remains available for information leading to the sisters’ whereabouts. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI’s Saipan office at 670-322-6934.
As of Wednesday, authorities had not confirmed any connection between Ayers and the 2011 disappearance.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
