Captain Philip Polewara

In a media briefing yesterday, PNGDF chief-of-staff, Captain Philip Polewara, said the soldiers are assisting police with the law and order situation.

Following the June 14^th rampage in Mendi, additional security forces were deployed to prevent further unlawful behaviour.

The PNGDF chief-of-staff, Captain Philip Polewara, said the forces are monitoring entry and exit points into the town.

Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Registrar, Dr. Dean Wahembari, was at a colleague’s house at North Waigani to pick up his son when he was allegedly attacked by a group of off-duty, drunken soldiers.

In his statement to the Waigani police, Dr Wahembari said he and his wife had arrived at the gate of his colleague’s house at around 6.30pm on Saturday, May 19^th, when they heard noises from the neighbouring house.

Five minutes later he found himself surrounded by more than 5 men, who all started assaulting him.

He said while some of these statements were valid, others were just for self-interest.

The Chief of Staff made the comment following criticisms on social media that the current PNG Defence Force Commander has failed to implement the Defence Force White Paper 2013.

In a statement, the Chief of Staff, Navy Captain Philip Polewara, said most of these comments personal and self-serving.

The Chief of Staff in defence said under the current economic climate, funding has been a concern for the Defence Force Organisation since 2013.