Police

"NCD/Central Command has an operational charge to bring the situation in Port Moresby under control, to stop the looting and to move crowds off the streets as the immediate priority," Commissioner Manning said.

"Police have been working through the afternoon, dispersing crowds moving around with a pack mentality. People who do not comply with police directions will be detained and locked up for processing.

Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa said the exercise is being extended to ensure law and order issues are contained and managed well before they can cease.

Pariwa said the festive operation was successful. There were minor law and order matters that police were able to deal with immediately.

He commended members of the community for working with police to ensure the Christmas period was peaceful.

“I also commend police personnel and PNGDF personnel for working well together in carrying out policing services in the community,” he said.

Over 100 intoxicated young men, who were being nuisances in public areas, were rounded up and detained at the Kavieng Police Station cell from the evening of December 31^st, 2023, to January 01^st, 2024.

“Most of my areas in New Ireland Province, including Kavieng, Konos, Lakurumau, Namatanai, Lihir and New Hanover were all reported as quiet. It’s unusual but impressive. People celebrated but it was contained within their premises,” said provincial police commander, Superintendent Albert Beli.

Peter said despite these challenges police officers make it their responsibility to conduct policing services to the community, something that needs to be appreciated.

“I am aware that you have performed your duties and responsibilities during this year under continuously challenging conditions.”

“These conditions include, run-down state of police housing, run-down state of police offices, some without proper or fully equipped furniture and equipment to be fully operational, rundown rural lockups, lack of vehicles and insufficient operational funds.”

They highlighted this during launching the Central Province festive season police operation at Kwikila station in Central Province.

He said that locals will not be allowed to drink alcohol while driving in their private vehicles or when in public transport.

“Because drinking and driving in neither the private or public vehicle is an offense,” he said.

Asi said the restrictions also apply to the locals selling beer with liquor licenses.

The Operation code, ' E’Verele’ meaning happiness, is given to ensure the community in Central Province enjoys a trouble-free festive season.

Central Province Police officers took part in a parade to commemorate the launching of the operation. 

Central Provincial Commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi, said the operation gets underway this evening and for the next 14 days. It will cease on January 14th, 2024.

Asi said police officers will be dispatched to all Central LLGs to implement the exercise, including roadblocks and security checks.

Governor Undialu whilst passing his condolence to the immediate family members and colleagues of the lost officer, said Hela people, especially residents of Tari town are innocent.

 He is concerned that opportunists might capitalise on the existing situations and cause problems for the township.

Undialu said Hela has done well last 12 months in managing law and order except few instances.

“As we approach this Christmas and into the New Year, we plan to launch and commission some key infrastructure in the province. This incident is now a setback for us.”

Yangoru-Saussia Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru is appealing to his people of Yangoru-Saussia to use the festive season for church, sports, and other worthwhile activities and not wild drinking and involvement in crime.

“I am particularly calling on the warring communities of Soli and Warahembe in East Yangoru LLG to stop further escalation of trouble as we have already lost four lives,” said Minister Maru.

Comprising of eight Royal Papua New Guinea Police Officers and two lawyers from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, a total of 10 officers have undergo this prestigious Prosecution Residential School program for nine months and were issued certificates recently.

They are part of the 5^th batch of trainers who have undergone the Prosecution Residential School program initiated by the Papua New Guinea – Australia Policing Partnership or PNG – APP.

Commander of New Guinea Island Region, Assistant Commissioner of Police Perou Ndranou, confirmed the charges of murder against the officers and announced their suspension from active duty.

According to ACP Ndranou, the officers intercepted the deceased George Mandrau and his friends, Glen Wangisa and Gilla Ponau, suspecting them of a previous robbery.

The trio was reportedly subjected to brutal assault with hard objects at Lorengau police station, resulting in serious injuries to Mandrau. Despite being taken to Lorengau Hospital, he tragically passed away.