Gari Baki

Baki confident about 2017 elections

 

Police Commissioner, Gari Baki says the 2017 elections have been very quiet but says he is pleased with the progress of the police elections operations so far.

He said unlike running the operations in previous elections in the country, 2017 is a complete change.

“I do not know if it is a change for the better, but for me it shows that there is maturity in the mindset of Papua New Guineans and that’s the way we should be,” says Baki.

​No more Hela call-out: Baki

Police Commissioner Gari Baki said phase two of the exercise has not progressed due to, firstly, the Royal PNG Constabulary officers going into the election mode of operation. The second reason is funding.

“We do not have that many resources to enforce the call-out exercise in Hela,” Baki stated.

However, he added that the deployment on the elections will support their intentions in Hela.

(PNG Defence Force and Police personnel during their deployment in January)

Juffa condemns engagement of US based security firm

Juffa told Loop PNG that the engagement came as a surprise to many in Government and it also appears that the relevant body, National Security Advisory Council was unaware of this engagement.

“In fact the matter came to the attention of all when photos of foreigners carrying heavy assault weaponry in public were circulated via social media primarily facebook.”

"These photos caused much anxiety and apprehension in the community and many leaders were approached to seek and provide answers.

Baki responds to Singirok regarding American firm

This comes after comments made on ABC News by former PNG Defence Force head, Jerry Singirok.

Singirok reportedly said the Police Commissioner doesn't have the authority to engage foreign nationals without parliamentary approval, or that of the National Executive Council.

“Jerry Singirok has no right to talk about the Police Force Act because he is not a police officer and he is not the defence force commander or even the police commissioner,” Baki said.

​Baki dispels rumours of expatriates’ deportation

In an interview this morning, Baki told media that the five expatriates from the American-based security company, Laurence Aviation & Security Group, are still in the country.

They have been stood down from activities but they will remain in the country until the commissioner has completed the proclaimed process.

“15 more will be coming in if the agreement goes through to fully engage them in their line of work,” says Baki.

Buimo breakout very unfortunate, says Baki

This was the comment from Commissioner for Police, Gari Baki in a media conference this morning at the Police headquarters.

Baki states that in his view of what had happened, there is always reaction to what has happened in the jails.

He adds that it’s time we give considerations to the structure that is supporting our jails.

There may be other contributing factors however, Baki said he did not want to talk about how the Correctional Service has managed its affairs.

Funds issue stalls Police election deployment

Police Commissioner Gari Baki said there was delay due to slow release of funds in the past few weeks.

“K8 million of the K121 million needed to run the operations have been released from Treasury.”

Baki said the other K21 million is expected to be released most likely today or tomorrow.

He added that the outstanding K21 million is still very much needed to carry out the full cost of deployment.

“The K8 million has been used to set up the provincial operating posts already.”

​American firm will train elite team: Baki

Police Commissioner Gari Baki revealed that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is currently engaged in discussions with Laurence Aviation & Security Group.

He made this comment following speculations made on an internet blog site over the engagement of the Americans.

Laurence Aviation & Security Group is an American based company that offers high-end security solutions to its customers globally, including the United States Government. It is staffed by former American military and police personnel.

​NGI security operation to be launched

Police Commissioner Gari Baki will launch the security operations for Manus, East New Britain, New Ireland and West New Britain provinces in Lorengau.

Host and Acting Manus Provincial Police Commander, senior inspector David Yapu, said all preparations for the launch are in place, and he thanks Commissioner Baki for choosing Manus to launch the NGI operations.

For Manus province alone, a combined security operation will consist of Police, Correctional Service and PNG Defence Force personnel, with some assistance to come from the East New Britain province.

​RPNGC farewells Somare

This was said by the Commissioner of Police, Gari Baki, during Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s Royal PNG Constabulary ceremonial farewell parade yesterday.

The Grand Chief’s arrival at Bomana Police College was accompanied with a police motorcade and welcomed by the Commissioner on the parade ground.

Baki, in his welcome speech, gave a brief recap of the life and accomplishments of the Grand Chief in his family life and politics.

He said Sir Michael was one of the very few vocal voices calling out for a united Papua New Guinea.