Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander

Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector George Bayagau, said directions were given by the Attorney General following complaints made against his police officers involved in the incident. Chief Inspector Bayagau believes the independent investigator will be brought into the province soon.

Of interest to the Public Solicitor-led investigation is the conduct of policemen prior to, during and after the incident on 23rd January, Bayagau said.

A 40-men team from the Police Air Tactical Unit flew into Alotau early Friday morning to maintain law and order.

Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief of Operations, Jim Andrews, said they will be followed later by an investigative team of detectives and forensic officers from Port Moresby.

Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector George Bayagau said business houses have opened but have been told to be on high alert.

PPC Morehari  said this when briefing his various section heads on Tuesday February 7,  at the Alotau Police Station Community Policing Hall.

In a brief but sombre hand over ceremony where he handed over the reins to Milne Bay Provincial Police Station Commander Inspector George Bayagau.

He told his policemen and women and his successor that he believed his suspension was politically motivated over his handling of the arrest and confiscation of a vessel owned by Samarai-Murua MP Gordon Wesley last year.