Of the 41 prison escapees that broke out of the Kerevat correctional facility in East New Britain, 19 have so far been recaptured.
According to East New Britain provincial police commander, Joseph Tabali, police have started a combined operation with the Correctional Service to recapture the remaining 22 escapees.
PPC Tabali said so far, the communities of ENB have been cooperative and forthcoming with information.
“I am working with the aim to get all 41 escapees back into the prison camp in Kerevat and police is working around the clock to get this done,” he said.
Furthermore, following the incident, the police boss is appealing to residents to hold their celebrations within the protection of their premises.
“They must be mindful that we still have 22 high risk prisoners on the run in our communities.”
He adds that at the moment, the province is not safe because of these escapees hence residents need to remain vigilant.