Hela Province security call-out 2017

Huafolo, who was in the province last Monday to launch the security operation, states he is satisfied with the progress of the call-out operation.

A total of 130 police and PNG Defence Force personnel are currently in Hela.

The Acting Commissioner is content with preparations being undertaken and the necessary support to boost the security operation aimed at restoring law and order in the resource rich province. 

The operation will be launched today (January 9) with 300 security personnel from the PNG Defence Force and Police deployed to the area for three months.

Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari confirmed that the total estimate approved by cabinet is K11 million for 60 days and they will make sure that the funding is available.

Lupari said they are supported by Oil Search to provide logistics, including accommodation, allowances, transport and meals on ground for the security personnel.

Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari urges the leaders at all levels to help the security operation in order to restore law and order in Hela.

The general law and order in the province has declined dramatically with continuous tribal fights involving high-powered weapons.

Lupari made the call following the deployment of 300 security personnel from the defence force and police to carry out the three-month security operation.

Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari said the LNG project is a major contributor to the country’s economy. 

The call-out was a result of reports of a dramatic decline in general law and order in the province in the past 12 months.

Continuous tribal fights involving high-powered weapons have threatened the LNG project, including the lives of people who work in different project sites in the province.

Lupari said if the project is affected, it will seriously damage the country in terms of employment, revenues and PNG’s reputation internationally.

They will join an advance team from the Highlands region, already on ground, to bring the total number of security personnel to 300.

The operation was approved by the Government based on the Security Risk Assessment Report from the Police Commissioner and will commence on Monday, January 9.

The report identified Hela as high risk due to heavy presence of unlicensed firearms, many of which are high-powered.