Law and Order

The City Mayor, Isidor Bonga expressed concern about the prevalence of political rhetoric that often touts basic services already provided by the government as achievements.

He stated that services such as education, healthcare, sanitation, roads, and electricity are fundamental rights that should not be boasted about. These services are already part of the government's responsibility to ensure the welfare of its citizens.

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Joseph Tondop says Hela will change for the better. He said this confidently after capturing and arresting four criminals wanted for a string of serious crimes in the province. 

The suspects were arrested by the joint security forces in Hides and Tari with the assistance of communities within Hela. Tondop stated that they were arrested between the months of March and April, 2023. 

the police presence around the main crime hotspot areas in the National Capital District during the long Easter season has resulted in fewer serious crimes reported.

There were tents set up throughout the city by the police station commanders and their members who did motorist and foot patrols during the five-day operation that started on Thursday and ended on Monday.

The positive result came about because of the efforts that hard-working police officers had put into making their time available in all the hot spots around the city.

Dr. Mitna reported that most police commands remained calm, with only a few isolated incidents occurring, which were manageable.

However, there was one unfortunate incident in Daru, Western Province, where a 20-year-old male named David Kowani Miki died under suspicious circumstances while out at sea with members of the PNG Defence Force. This led to looting and damaging of public properties by angry relatives and opportunists in the township. Local police responded quickly and contained the situation. The police are currently investigating the death.

Since taking office, Governor Ramsey Pariwa is determined to address this law and order issue using traditional peace building concepts.   

Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa has strongly demanded for youths causing lawlessness in the Trans-Gogol LLG in Madang district to drop their weapons and turn to worthwhile activities to sustain their lives.

In early February, locals in Quenzenzeng Village were attacked over the beheading of a member of their community. During that time, two men were burnt to death in a house, many were injured while 18 houses were razed to the ground.

In response, the Morobe PPHQ deployed a team on Saturday morning.

Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Jacob Singura, said the team is now making its way from Gagidu Station to Pindiu.

While the Kapao LLG station is slowly taking shape, police reservist, Antipas Giatrus, outlined the pressing issue of law and order.

Giatrus has been working there as a police reservist for eight years, with less than 10 other colleagues.

And with no police station, suspects are taken to Bulolo district for lockup, which is another costly exercise, especially when there is no police vehicle.

“Polis stesin na polis kar i mas stap bikos ol lukim olsem em bikpla ishu. (A police station and police vehicle is needed.)

Police officers from Central had been deployed to the mine to assist the Guard Dog Security personnel providing security at the mine site. 

With the geographical setting of the mining villages and communities, police operation in that area was very challenging when deployed. On January 19 five police officers were deployed to the mine site to provide police presence there.

Upon their arrival at the mine site, they met with Guard Dog Security guards who briefed them on the law and order situation in the area. 

For this reason, the Autonomous Bougainville Government will be focusing on improving law and order throughout Bougainville.

President Ishmael Toroama outlined that economic growth and law and order must be taken seriously by the administration and the economic sector departments, primarily the Law and Justice Sector, the Department of Mining and Energy Resources, the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Finance and Treasury.

“Our economy cannot flourish without the stability brought about by enforcing law and order,” said President Toroama.

Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Ishmael Toroama, said the real challenge to the government is the method of law enforcement on Bougainville.

“At the swearing in of the current Minister for Police, Bosco Ragu, this year, I mentioned that the Bougainville Police Service functions as a community policing oriented law enforcement agency, as opposed to the Royal Papua New Guinea Police Constabulary’s functions,” said Toroama.

“The BPS does not employ force nor does it have a paramilitary unit to deal with tactical situations.