PNG Defence Force soldiers

Over 400 soldiers in Highlands

In a media briefing yesterday, PNGDF chief-of-staff, Captain Philip Polewara, said the soldiers are assisting police with the law and order situation.

Following the June 14th rampage in Mendi, additional security forces were deployed to prevent further unlawful behaviour.

The PNGDF chief-of-staff, Captain Philip Polewara, said the forces are monitoring entry and exit points into the town.

Over 3,000 soldiers in PNGDF

Defence Minister Solan Mirisim revealed this in his statement to Parliament on the 2016 Defence Annual Report and Policy Undertakings.

Mirisim said this is one of the capacity building directives under PNG’s development goals.

The minister also highlighted the increased women numbers in the Force.

“There are over 70 female soldiers in various capacities across the Force. There is one female Navy officer, one civil engineer, two lawyers, seven medical doctors, 40 nurses and the rest are in the infantry or operational units,” said the Minister.