Security

Yapu said people should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights to cast their votes without undue influence, threat or fear.

He is asking for the continuous support and corporation from the people in ensuring a free, fair and safe election is conducted in the province without any disruption.

He said the campaign period which ends today has been quiet and peaceful so far and wants this to continue into polling and counting.

During that time, normal police patrols, shifts and duties will also be carried out.

“All commanders, support units were given their tasks, detailed right down to the polling stations,” says NCD metropolitan superintendent, Ben Turi.

“The ops order is made in such a way that all operations run parallel to each other. It doesn’t affect anything.”

In terms of emergencies like robberies or car thefts, detectives will attend to them.

“We are prepared and ready,” says the police boss.

Manus Police Provincial Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said two small Australian Air Force aircraft arrived in Manus on Saturday with the ballot papers.

The ballot papers were received by Electoral Commission staff with heavy security escort from the Joint Security Forces at Momote.

The ballot papers are locked up in the storage container at the Police Station and PPC Yapu said tight security will be provided until June 23, where they will be moved to the respective polling venues.

Members of the RPNGC, PNGDF and the CS started off with a parade march along the one lane street outside the police station and later lined up in front of the station.

Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations, Jim Andrews stressed to the officers that there shouldn't be any separation between the forces and that it is important they maintain a good working relationship.

ACP Andrews urged the public that it is not only the responsibility of the police but for everyone to take ownership of the 2017 General elections.

There is a possibility that one of those people, may be someone on the run or wanted by law.

There's also a slight chance of a missing person or vehicle entering the vicinity.

Vision City Management has raised its hand to help the police with such cases.

The parties have initiated a move to fully utilize the mega mall's upgraded security system in place to identify people or specific information needed by the police.

Juffa told Loop PNG that the engagement came as a surprise to many in Government and it also appears that the relevant body, National Security Advisory Council was unaware of this engagement.

“In fact the matter came to the attention of all when photos of foreigners carrying heavy assault weaponry in public were circulated via social media primarily facebook.”

"These photos caused much anxiety and apprehension in the community and many leaders were approached to seek and provide answers.

During Friday's nominations, the road blocks were set up in a way where vehicles moved in a one way in and one way out manner.

Officers on duty said so far, no major faults or incident in relations to the nominations have occurred.

Police are only controlling traffic at the main market area so supporters share a common a ground to campaign and support their candidates.

The office of the sheriff has installed a new security screening point which has seen people walking through a metal detector before entering the building.

Operated by the National Judiciary Services security guards, the security screening also includes the inspection of all bags.

Sheriff of PNG Ian Augerea in a statement said all court users and those from the legal profession will be subject to the screening process.

“The screening is an additional measure to ensure all court users can access justice without the fear of violence or the threat of weapons.

 Intending candidates flock to submit biodata

Intending candidates for the 2017 National Elections have been flocking to the Electoral Commission headquarters in Port Moresby to submit their biodata, with the deadline today.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/intending-candidates-flock-submit-biodata-50293

K70,000 cash, 13 truck loads of food for Oro road accident victims

Jean-Jacques Urvoas, who is on an official visit to New Caledonia, said two of them will specifically maintain security around the facility's perimeter.

This was announced as the new head of the jail was officially installed and the hiring of 80 staff was confirmed.

The prison has been upgraded after the previous justice minister released more than $US20 million.

Photo: Thomas SAMSON / AFP (The French Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas).