David Manning

The suspect, Fiebik Simon, while allegedly under the influence of alcohol, used a firearm to threaten a woman in the National Capital District and refused to surrender his weapons to police.

Commissioner Manning, as the Registrar of Firearms, cancelled Simon’s two gun licences and forfeited his firearms to the custody of the state.

The three focus areas for the RPNG to achieve this intent include;

1. Grow and improve RPNGC
2. Build a safer PNG
3. Strengthen Partnership, Government and Accountability

“We will look at growing the probationary constable numbers by 500 including 30 constables for the Bougainville Police Service and an increase of Commissioned officers by 60.

“Evolve the accommodation policy to encourage good performance and commence implementation of rolling out infrastructure maintenance and police accommodation,” he added.

Commissioner Manning said following the initial outbreak of violence a week ago, security forces have been working closely with candidates and supporters, and with community leaders to prevent any incidents.

“We thank all of those who have pitched in to work together and plan for a peaceful conclusion to the election in the National Capital District,” Mr Manning said.

Manning made this comment when disputing a recent post on social media that alleged that he had threatened policemen and ordered the release of the K1.56 million confiscated in Hela Province.

“That is totally false. The cash in question is still in police custody,” he stated.

“Five individuals arrested over this incident are currently in police custody. Police investigation into this matter is still progressing.

“As I have previously stated, the public will be informed once the investigation is completed.

The Australian Federal Police under the ambit of the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership made renovations to the police station.

Commander of the NCD/Central Command, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Junior said a parade will be staged and the Commander of the Australian Federal Police deployment in PNG, Assistant Commissioner Jamie Strauss will accompany Commissioner Manning to the opening.

Commissioner Manning said the success of the elections will depend on the citizens, in ensuring that citizens exercise their democratic right safely and fairly.

Election- related deaths in Papua New Guinea is almost normal for every other National General Election.

As the country prepares to issue writs at the end of April, Police Minister William Onglo said Elections in the country has always been volatile, especially in the highlands region. 

The key changes to the measures are mainly in the international and domestic travel and social measures. Under the new measures, approvals are no longer required to enter PNG for international travels.

Tourists may now travel to PNG without pandemic approvals. However all persons must still be fully vaccinated to travel into the country, unless they are under 18 years of age or are Papua New Guinea citizens.

Commissioner Manning said by virtue of sections 9 (a), 29, 36 and 42 and all other enabling sections of the National Pandemic Act 2020, directed the amendment to the ban on major event gatherings of over 100 issued on 14^th January, 2022 to exempt Religious activities and Essential services.

For clarity, this direction is in addition to all other requirements under the National Pandemic Act 2020, Measure 3, ‘Domestic measures’.

As the matter involves a national MP and state minister, Commissioner Manning has directed Deputy Police Commissioner Operations, Anton Billie to lead the investigation.

A senior detective from the NCD command and a senior officer from the Police Internal Affairs Directorate will assist in the inquiry.

The Commissioner’s decision to investigate was a matter of course to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident before recommending further action.