The Papua New Guinea Defence Force is ready to work alongside the Royal PNG Constabulary and other line security agencies for the APEC Leaders’ Summit.
“We are ready, quietly but surely, let there be no doubt, that the Papua New Guinea Defence Force is truly ready and we are capable of supporting the police and other line security agencies in supporting the overall security effort to deliver the APEC,” says Chief of Joint Operations, Col. Esekia Wenzel.
The Special Forces is ready, with two battalions stationed at the borders as well as conduct searches of security threat.
With all the preparations focused on APEC, the troops based in the Southern Highlands have experienced inconsistencies with allowance payment, but Col Wenzel says his men have been patient.
“We have from time to time conveyed to the lowest troops to understand the bigger picture, the economic situation that we are faced with, and we also have explained to them from time to time the importance of their roles, the constitutional responsibility of Papua New Guinea Defence Force, as the last line of defense. Particularity for troops that are based in the Southern Highlands.
“For Hela and Enga they are taken care of,” he added.