Army troops have started deployment into Mount Hagen for the 2017 PNG National Election operations.
The troops from Wewak and Port Moresby are part of the initial 500 troops to be sent out to assist with security detail this elections period.
Joint Operations Commander Colonel Wenzel Esekia says the PNG Defence Force are on track to support the Royal PNG Constabulary and the Electoral Commission deliver a free, fair and safe 2017 National elections.
Colonel Esekia says the PNGDF also has maritime support, with navy ships ready to back the coastal areas during this election period.
He adds that the Australian Defence Force are providing support to the PNGEC with some PNGDF liaison officers attached with them.
“With the limited resources, the army is focused to be smart in managing troops to achieve the desired outcomes of the overall operations,” he stated.
In terms of deployment, the colonel explained that additional troops are on standby to be called out on security assessments on ground.
Wenzel says the PNGDF aims to be objective and will base deployment on intelligence and advice of the provincial police commands.
“If threats escalate in a particular area, that is where we will concentrate the deployment of troops,” he says.
Meantime, 20 PNGDF personnel have also been arranged to go into Madang to assist police in security needs on ground from recent clashes reported along the coast.
Wenzel says the troops will be catered for by the Madang Provincial Government and election steering committee.
Pictures supplied by PNGDFPR
