Chief of Joint Operations

Operation Kibung ready for APEC Summit

However, the next two months will see an increase in the presence of foreign troops in the country, who will be working in partnership with the PNG Defense Force and those in the joint inter-agency operation for APEC.

The next two months will see an increased presence of foreign troops in the country, leading up to the APEC leaders’ summit.

PNGDF’s Chief of Operations however says this is not new as some of the foreign military troops have been here in the past 4 years.

Defense personnel warned

The Chief of Joint Operations, Colonel Ezekia Wenzel says that the directive was issued today by the PNGDF Commander to ensure that the troops are reminded of their core functions while out on duty.

Colonel Wenzel says that the troops on call out are there under specific orders which do not include escort services.

He warns that given this directive, any troops found to be carrying out escort parties for civilians will be dealt with accordingly.

The Colonel adds that this directive is in place to ensure the army’s impartially while out on duty or operations.

Media urged to verify stories

A disappointed Chief of Joint Operations, Colonel Ezekai Wenzel, outlined recent media reports about fighting up in the Western Highlands.

Colonel Wenzel outlined that the number of arrests and even the back story of the reports that were run were all blown of proportion.

He clarified reports of a massive arrest carried out in Laigam village in Tambul Nabilyer, of Western Highlands Province, were all taken out of context.