2017 challenging for Manus police

The year 2017 was a challenging one for police in Manus who had to address issues that arose from the 2017 National General Election and the movement of refugees and asylum seekers from Lombrum.

In highlighting the year, Provincial Police Commander, David Yapu, who was also promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector in April, said he was faced with lots of challenges and critics from people last year.

“I have made a lot of changes in the organization especially dealing with discipline issue as our number one priority and brought the organization and Manus Province to the next level within my (2) years in the Province.

“I have carried out my duties with integrity and honesty and without fear, favor, malice or ill will and look forward to new challenges in the new year 2018,” Yapu said.

The elections was more challenging for him and his 55 men, covering a province that has scattered population and manpower shortage. Teams from Tomaringa in the East New Britain province were deployed to assist the security operation.

The Correctional Service and PNG Defense Force also assisted.

“We had 124 security Forces deployed in the Election Operation in the 12 LLGs and 131 wards . There were 21 polling teams which we assisted to successfully complete Polling and counting,” he said.

The removal of refugees from the decommissioned center at the Lombrum Naval base was another challenge.

”It was a complex task dealing with the Refugess and Asylum seekers from (15) different foreign countries with their own back grounds, attitudes and culture.

“We countered lot of resistances, confrontations and challenges during the process of their removal but able to manage the situation. At one stage six of them climbed up the roof to jump down and kill themselves, suicide as normal in their own countries. We used common sense to negotiate with them until they climb down the roof and we moved them to their new accommodation sites. We were outnumber with 60 officers from PNGICSA, Police and PNG Defence Force dealing with 378 refugees.”

The past year also saw policing in the province assisted with community leaders in general law and order issues.

On New Year ’s Eve, six remandees who were facing serious charges for various offenses escaped from Correctional Service custody after they were allowed to take part in a volley ball competition.

Appeals have been made to the communities to assist police recapture them.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton