Opportunists

The activity was a result of a viral notice circulating on social media about a “peaceful protest march” planned for today, Monday 1 November 2021, over mandatory vaccination.

Despite assurances from Controller of the Pandemic Response and Police Commissioner, David Manning that the notice circulated is false and misleading because vaccination is not mandatory and still remains a personal choice.

Reports have come in from Erima, Tokarara, Hohola, Waigani and Gerehu of opportunists looting, or attempting to loot, Asian-owned shops.

Residents at Waigani have reported that police had to fire teargas to disperse a gathering crowd while gunshots were heard at Gordon’s and Gerehu.

Witnesses have also reported the stoning of vehicles from the Erima to Nine-Mile road.

At around 12pm today, members of the Joint Security Task Force convoyed to the Parliament to air their grievances over the non-payment of APEC allowance.

Martin Pat, who is also a survivor of the February 26 earthquake, said certain organisations and individuals are taking advantage of this situation by asking for money for services rendered.

The concerned community leader says there are enough issues to be dealt with right now and with businesses coming up with sky high prices for proposals or services rendered is just outrageous.

Pat further supported the emergency controller’s decision to thoroughly process business offers.

A city resident posted her ordeal on Facebook about an incident that had taken place at the Five-Mile roundabout.

Opportunists attempted to crack her window whilst she was making her way around the roundabout at Jack Pidik Park.