Bones, believed to be human remains, were found in the ocean waters near Ngesaol village of Koror State.

According to report from the Bureau of Public Safety, on September 16th, they received a call from a fisherman who said that while fishing on September 11 near Ngesaol, he saw what looked like a human skull in the waters.  He said that the skull did not look like that of an animal such as a dog because it was round.

Because there have been four incidents of missing persons, Bureau of Public Safety sent one detective, Criminal Investigation Division officers and Marine Law officers to the site to retrieve the bones.

Based on preliminary report from the police, they strongly believe the bones to be human.  Over 65% of total bones were retrieved including a skull.  So far the report has not confirmed whether the bones of where of male or female, only that they are believed to be human.

In addition to bones retrieved, other evidences collected from the scene include two different types of ropes and a fabric which is believed to be pants because pockets were still intact.

Despite law enforcement confidence about the nature of the bones, Minister of Justice and Vice President Raynold Oilouch say they are not declaring them as human bones until experts take a look at them.

“Two months ago, bones were retrieved from rock islands, also believed to be human but after experts studied them, they were found not to be of human origin,” cautioned Vice President Oilouch.

Vice President Oilouch said he had officially requested assistance of United States Embassy in getting experts to help them identify the bones and if human, help with identifying the person through DNA testing as well as other forensics.

Of the missing persons cases, the most recent one, Ochob Jacee Soto Iyar, gained a lot of attention.  The young woman disappeared without trace on September 18, 2016 and have not been found. The bones were found, ironically, a week before the anniversary of the missing woman.

Bureau of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division and NEA are still investigating the case and evidence recently retrieved. (L.N. Reklai)