First responders, gov’t agencies unite in search of missing person

Local first responders and various government agencies banded together yesterday in search of 65-year-old Juan Salas.

Last Wednesday, May 1, the Department of Public Safety took to social media to inform the community that 65-year-old Gualo Rai resident had been reported missing by his loved ones.

The first day of the search for Salas, which officially began yesterday, yielded no results, but first responders and government agencies involved will be continuing their search today.

Salas, who is 5’9 about 235 lbs with brown eyes, was reportedly last seen at his residence wearing a shirt, black jean shorts, and black slippers.

After the missing person report had been disseminated to the public, first responders began the search soon after.

According to acting DPS commissioner Anthony Macaranas, Salas’ vehicle was found at the Suicide Cliff historical site yesterday morning.

“DPS along with other agencies are actively canvassing the Suicide Cliff area. The missing person’s vehicle was found parked there,” said Macaranas.

Because Salas’ vehicle was found at Suicide Cliff, first responders gathered at the Suicide Cliff area using the area as the staging grounds while search parties went out to comb through the surrounding area.

Macaranas said he sought aid from the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Customs and Biosecurity, Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Control, and the Saipan Mayor’s Office.

In addition, DPS is also encouraging volunteers interested in joining the search to come out to Suicide Cliff to check in at the staging area to avoid any mishaps.

“I have requested additional assistance from the mayor’s office, Customs Biosecurity, ABTC, and HSEM. We ask that those who want to assist with the search proceed to our DPS command post for accountability purpose. We ask that volunteers check in with our post so that to avoid any incidents of injury or getting lost while assisting in the search. We also ask that other agencies that want to assist, to also check-in at the command post,” said Macaranas.

Saipan Tribune learned yesterday that Salas’ family is also helping in the search and has been posted at the Suicide Cliff since yesterday morning saying prayers for their loved one.

Salas is the third person to be reported missing this year.