Police Commissioner David Manning has described the attack on police and burning of 13 police houses in the Milne Bay as an act of terrorism.
The Commissioner issued a statement on Sunday saying, “These are not your common criminals but are terrorists and will be dealt with as such”.
Manning said they have declared war on the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
“We will bring the full force of the government down hard on these terrorists. All resources at our disposal as well as manpower will be committed to hunting them down.
“They can run, but they cannot hide. Their days are numbered,” Manning stated.
He said the PNG Defence Force has been called out to assist police hunt down the attackers.
Manning said he has given directions to Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief of Operations, Donald Yamasombi, to use all available police resources and manpower to flush them out and capture them.
He said initially two Police Mobile Squads, including the Air Tactical Unit, and Water Police will be deployed to Milne Bay Province.
They will be joined by additional manpower from the PNGDF who are currently under a three-month call-out assisting in the national pandemic response.
“We have a standing national three-month call-out for the Defence Force to assist with our COVID-19 response from March 30 to June 30. The PNG Defence Force will now be deployed to assist police hunt for the terrorists in Milne Bay."
Manning appealed to the people of Milne Bay as well as neighbouring Oro, Central and Gulf provinces not to aid and abet the terrorists.
“They have gone too far and must be stopped. People who are supporting these terrorists must understand that the terrorists are undermining and threatening the national security of Papua New Guinea and must be stopped."
In the meantime, a team of investigators from Police Headquarters and the Police Logistics Division have been sent to Alotau.
The investigators will begin their work into the recent attack whilst the Police Logistics team is in the province to make alternate arrangements for the families of the policemen who were displaced when their houses were burnt.