Chief Inspector David Yapu

Immigration officers, soldiers arrested during Easter

The four officers were among seven arrested for drunk driving in Lorengau.

PPC Manus, Chief Inspector David Yapu, was frustrated to see the Immigration officers with PNGDF soldiers and civilians misusing hired vehicles, drinking alcohol and driving around in vehicle intended for the use of refugee operations on the island.

Police allege the group, while under the influence of alcohol, also went to a residence and assaulted the owner of a house at ward 1 as well as damaged his properties.

Man suffers burns, wife on the run

Manus PPC, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the Family Protection Act protects both the husband and wife from any form of domestic violence and the wife will be dealt with under the Criminal Code Act for allegedly causing grievous bodily harm.

Police say on March 9th, the woman allegedly poured hot water on her husband’s back, causing severe injury after an argument.

The man from South Fly Western Province is receiving treatment at Lorengau General Hospital.

 PPC Yapu is appealing to the woman to surrender to police after an official complaint was made.

Missing 4yo’s body retrieved

The four-year-old’s body was found on Sunday as it drifted ashore at the Naval base beach at Lombrum.

Manus Provincial Police Commander, chief inspector David Yapu, said all missing bodies have now been retrieved and are at the Lorengau Morgue.

The victims were among 30 passengers travelling on a 23-foot, 60 horse powered boat to a funeral when the boat capsized due to strong winds and rough seas near Pityluh Island.

Peaceful celebrations in Manus

Officers were deployed to villages on mainland Manus, while another team, including the provincial police commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, visited the villages of Bundrahei, Likum, Koroji and Bujhou, along the South Coast of Manus.

The PPC and his team spent time raising awareness to assist in reducing law and order issues in their communities. 

The patrols also saw peaceful celebrations in the villages, and PPC Yapu thanked them for keeping the peace, appealing to them to continue the same as they welcome the New Year.

Leaders commended for citizen’s arrest

PPC Manus Chief Inspector David Yapu said the 35-year-old, from Ndranou village, was arrested and charged for the murder of Peter Tawe.

Tawe was allegedly murdered on December 12, 2006, by Karua Pomeri and Western Province man, Benny Warangu.

Warangu was charged by police in 2016 and is currently serving 16 years in hard labour at CS Ningerum in Western Province.

Pomeri was also charged with break-and-enter and stealing at a trade store at Ndranou village on July 27, 2018.

Concern over contraband in refugee centre

Chief Inspector Yapu said this after two refugees got drunk and tried to smuggle a carton of beer into the centre.

The Paladin security guards on duty discovered the alcohol on them when they checked them at the gate of the refugee centre and refused them entry, where the refugees argued with the security guards. The security guards eventually removed the beer and allowed them entry into the centre.

Police were called and assisted in calming down the situation.

Manus drug issue on the rise

Manus PPC, Chief Inspector David Yapu, revealed that since January, 53 drug cases were reported.

Manus police say from the 53 cases reported, 24 accused were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment terms ranging from three to 12 months.

12 convicts were placed on good behaviour bond, two cases struck out while one was dismissed from court.

PPC Yapu says this sudden increase in drug cases was alarming in both Lorengau town and the villages.

The offenders are from the age group of 18 to 30 years.

Refugee dies after jumping off bus

The 54-year-old refugee, from Myanmar, was travelling in the bus shuttle from the refugee campsite at West Lorengau, Ward 1, towards Lorengau town, when he jumped out the door.

Manus provincial police commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the guard from Paladin Security, who was providing escort, attempted to stop him from jumping off the bus but was unsuccessful.

He said the refugee died instantly after landing to the rear left of the bus. His head was squashed after the wheels ran over him.

62yo attacked by crocodile

Manus PPC, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the deceased, Sokal Silikara, was out fishing last Thursday when he was attacked.

Sadly, he could not be saved by his brother and others on the boat.

His body was retrieved and taken to the Lako Health centre but was pronounced dead. It was later taken to the Lorengau hospital morgue.

PPC Yapu warned the villagers at Lou and Baluan islands to look out for crocodiles in the area and report any sighting to police.

Increased drug activities concerning

Manus provincial police commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, is concerned over the increase in those illegal activities.

During the weekend, five youths, aged between 18 and 25, were arrested in Lorengau town for homebrew and drug activities.

PPC Yapu said Lorengau town, which was once a safe haven, is turning into a chaotic drug zone.

He blamed this on the new trend in drugs being brought into the Province by the betelnut trade from Wewak, Madang and Kavieng by boats.