Three Still Missing After WWII Bomb Explosion in Biak as Search Continues

Biak Numfor Police Chief AKBP Ari Trestiawan stated that a joint search and rescue (SAR) team is currently searching for three Biak residents reported missing after a World War II-era bomb explosion. ‘The search is currently focused on the coastal area as the crime scene (TKP) remains unsafe for operations,’ Ari told ANTARA from Jayapura on Monday. He added that the area around the crime scene is still deemed unsafe, hence the search is concentrated along the shoreline. He confirmed the search is ongoing for three missing individuals: Yulianus Raubaba (26), Lae Madura (45), and Abis Marandof (27). The blast site, which occurred on Sunday, 31 May, has not yet been accessed as authorities await bomb disposal experts from Gegana Brimob Papua Police to clear the area. Once declared safe, the joint SAR team comprising personnel from Basarnas, Biak Numfor Police, Biak Kodim, and other relevant parties will conduct searches around the crime scene. ‘Investigators will also process the crime scene,’ said Biak Numfor Police Chief AKBP Ari Trestiawan. He explained that the WWII-era bomb explosion, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, 31 May at approximately 14:45 WIT in the Walter Monginsidi fishing complex, Fandoi Village, Biak, also resulted in five fatalities. The five victims were Deflin Raubaba (41), Moris Raubaba (24), Karmila Ayorbaba (25), Israel Raubaba (7), and Isril Raubaba (5).