A number of schools in East New Britain Province have suspended classes this morning due to a recent rise in school fights.
Provincial police commander, Joseph Tabali, revealed to Loop PNG that three different school fights occurred within the space of three weeks.
The most recent happened between Kokopo Secondary School and Woolnough Vocational Centre yesterday at Kokopo. Tabali said the clash allegedly stemmed from a Facebook post.
“All sorts of things were said on Facebook but we are yet to get to the bottom of it,” said the PPC.
“The day before yesterday (Wednesday) was Don Bosco and Kokopo Secondary, while Vunakanau secondary and Malaguna technical fought two weeks ago.
“Because of this, all high schools, secondary schools and technical schools have been suspended.”
The PPC told Loop that he went on Radio East New Britain and called on all parents to talk to their children.
“Tell them not to go to public places and start fighting each other and causing nuisance.”
Tabali also appealed to school principals and head teachers to take stock of their students.
“Talk to them in your morning assemblies. Do your internal investigations and find out who is behind those Facebook accounts.”
He also issued this warning to students: “If I see you gathering in groups in public places, you will be arrested and charged for unlawful assembly.”
A meeting between all schools, the police and government agencies will be held this afternoon to address the issue.
(An empty Kokopo Secondary School this morning)