Manus Regional Processing Centre (MRPC)

The joint operation, code named Klinim Base, was successfully accomplished on Friday (Nov 24) with the mass removal of over 300 refugees.

It was conducted by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority, Police and PNG Defence Force.

Manus provincial police commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said 12 buses and 4 trucks provided by Paladi Security were utilised to transport the refugees to their new locations at East Lorengau Refugee transit centre, Hill side and West Lorengau at Ward 1.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Petrus Thomas, said in a statement that the remaining lot were moved with the assistance of immigration officials and police on November 24.

“I would like to thank the refugees and non-refugees for moving for the best interest of their health and well-being,” says Thomas.

“Immigration will work closely with the service providers at the new facilities to ensure that the basic needs and concerns of these people are catered for.

According to the Royal PNG Constabulary, all buses were provided at the centre to transport them but the refugees refused to leave the MRPC.

The MRPC at Lombrum Naval base has been revoked by the Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Petrus Thomas, as permanent places of immigration detention. The minister has declared in the national gazette the new sites at hillside haus as permanent places for immigration detention.