By Nancy Nais
BINTANGOR, Nov 19: Search and rescue (SAR) personnel will refocus their efforts after finding new clues in the disappearance of a 63-year-old woman in Ng Engkeranji, Pakan.
Today marked the fifth day of SAR operations for Chemerai Mering who was reported missing after she failed to return home since Nov 13.
Chemerai left her longhouse Rumah Lingoh, for an interview at the Pakan Welfare Office. She did not return home after that.
However, rescuers found Chemerai’s belongings including a toothbrush, clothing, a flashlight, some medicine and a bag on a two-kilometre trail road yesterday.
Bintangor Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Nicholas Belulin disclosed that earlier today, the victim’s family conducted a ‘miring’ ceremony not far from where her personal belongings were found.
“This morning’s search team consisted of MUST and STORM personnel with 23 villagers around several tributaries, covering approximately three kilometers.
“In the afternoon, a second team consisting of firefighters, police, two K9 dogs, Civil Defense Force personnel and villagers resumed the search from the hilltop downwards to the foothill, passing several small rivers. This time they found traces of the victim, either taking refuge or resting on wooden sticks. They also found lightly visible footprints and hand prints.
“Both Bomba K9 and police K9 dogs also detected (sic) this location which led to the new discovery in Sungai Raba, some two kilometers away from the area where the ‘miring’ ceremony was held,” Nicholas revealed.
He added, the SAR will focus on this new site in tomorrow’s search operations. — DayakDaily
