Colonel Ezekia Wenzel

Defense personnel warned

The Chief of Joint Operations, Colonel Ezekia Wenzel says that the directive was issued today by the PNGDF Commander to ensure that the troops are reminded of their core functions while out on duty.

Colonel Wenzel says that the troops on call out are there under specific orders which do not include escort services.

He warns that given this directive, any troops found to be carrying out escort parties for civilians will be dealt with accordingly.

The Colonel adds that this directive is in place to ensure the army’s impartially while out on duty or operations.

Main defence troops to be deployed soon

The joint operations command anticipates the full contingent to be deployed come June 17.

Joint Operations Commander, Colonel Ezekia Wenzel, says the operations are scheduled to cater for a week ahead of the start of the polling period on June 24th, and a week after.

This is to ensure that all security aspects are catered to.

Initially, he says the confirmed number of troops on ground for the elections was 500, but adds that the defence will also have an additional 300 troops that will be deployed to support police commands near military establishments.