Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)

ACP Guinness said they had difficulties in securing funds to support additional police personnel to accompany the body of the late Mobile Squad 15 member, Senior Constable Bati Guza, to Daru.

He commended the Bulolo MP and Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Basil, and his District Development Authority (DDA) for making it possible for additional MS15 personnel to farewell their colleague for the last time.

The body of the late Senior Constable Guza was laid to rest at his Mur village, Ward 2 area, of Oriomo-Bituri Rural LLG in the South Fly electorate of Western Province.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for NCD and Central, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, outlined that this comes under the NCD/Central Divisional Command’s annual management plan for 2021.

“We had started this off in Lae when I was there in my previous capacity as Metsupt Lae. The location at Lae Main Market with the monitoring point within the Market Police Station proved to be an effective policing tool.

“On my arrival in this command, I had initial talks with various stakeholders regarding plans to have this rolled out in NCD but on a wider scale.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for NCD and Central, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, said they will work their way through by venturing into partnerships.

The NCD/Central Divisional Command’s annual management plan for 2021 will focus on rolling out the Motorola radio network.

“This radio network was brought in for the APEC Summit by our policing partner, Australian Federal Police. However this was not utilised as planned,” stated ACP Wagambie Jnr.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Anthony Wagambie Jnr, said a meeting was immediately called after the January 22^nd National Court decision that David Manning’s appointment was illegal as he did not meet the minimum requirements to be selected to lead the Police Department.

Following that decision, ACP Wagambie Jnr, who is the acting NCD-Central Commander, held a briefing with Metropolitan Superintendent NCD and Provincial Police Commander Central to ensure that all members, rank and file of the command are carrying out normal duties.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Peter Guinness, said drivers must adhere to their company policies when transporting essential goods into the highlands as police will not tolerate their non-compliance.

“Drivers and the owners of the big trucks must take heed of orders that have been made. There is no excuse of being ignorant and arrogant,” said ACP Guinness.

The conflict reportedly stemmed from the appointment of a school principal, which did not go down well with some members of the community.

Other government services were also shut down until community leaders agreed to restore peace and normalcy while police continue to do regular visits.