Commissioner of Police David Manning

Manning made this comment at the launching of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Drug and Alcohol Policy in Port Moresby yesterday. 

He said the guilty verdict that has sent prominent lawyer Paul Paraka to prison, is an example of the capability that police have in investigating criminal offences.

 “This is far from the last case we are investigating and RPNGC is committed to ensure that we have a strong front when it comes to dealing with corruption,” he said.

The circular, approved by the Commissioner, aims to protect lives from domestic terrorist and criminal activities due to the escalation of violence especially in the Highlands and other parts of the country.

Manning said police personnel must be clear on the extent of their powers, and to warn criminals of likely outcomes if they resort to using weapons.

“I issued a Commissioner’s Circular on the use of force against criminals to reinforce the lawful authority of police personnel,” he said.

He was responding to a statement made by the MCPNG calling for media personnel protection, following an incident in Moitaka where a cameraman and a journalist of the National Broadcasting Corporation were subject to a stray bullet. The bullet grazed the cameraman, but struck the journalist in the arm.

“The media are the public’s eyes and ears in our democracy, and there must be respect and protection for journalists to carry out their professional duties,” Manning said.

Manning, also serving as the Controller of the National Pandemic Response, clarified that his recent directives are crucial to ensuring the seamless operation of transportation systems, emergency services, and essential functions during this critical phase.

While the immediate health crisis may have subsided, the nation continues to grapple with the broader repercussions of the pandemic.

The Police Commissioner said within the next week, mobilization of both Police and Military personnel to provinces around the country will begin working with communities, conducting awareness programs in preparation for the national elections.

“As I’ve always said, the security of the elections is very much everyone’s business. It’s not the sole responsibility of the government security forces to deliver a free, fair and safe election that is very much the responsibility of all our communities.

Commissioner Manning said, “It is very encouraging to note the recent bold and appropriate amendments brought about by the Marabe-Basil Government in the last sitting of the country’s 10th Parliament. I witnessed the passing of the Bill with unanimous support from both sides of the floor of Parliament.”
 

Mr Manning said there are allegations that significant funds have been expended by “trustees” with no evidence of benefits to the beneficiaries. The Trust Funds belong to the 148,000-plus people from 158 villages located in the communities along the Fly River mine corridor in the Western Province.

“That is what the police through the Special Police Forensic Criminal Investigation team is investigating. That is all I can say for now as the matter is now before the court and we will address the allegations raised by Mr Namah in court,” Mr Manning said.