PNGDF Commander Gilbert Toropo

Meauri is the interim secretary to oversee the department after the announcement of the Commission of Inquiry by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill recently.

The COI will look into the controversy land purchase to relocate PNG Defence Force institutions out of Port Moresby.         

The announcement also resulted in the sidelining of the Defence Minister Fabian Pok and secretary Vali Asi.

Meauri said he will continue on where the former secretary had left.

He added that being visible to the command will be the approach he will be taking.

PNGDF Commander Gilbert Toropo said this in his address during the Commanders End of Year Parade.

Toropo commend all his men of their work towards achieving the forces’ main aims and vision for 2016 despite it being a challenging and tough year.

He thanked and acknowledged those who have contributed immensely to the success of 2016 and for ensuring that priorities for 2016 were kept up to date and on track.

Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo, said this during the end-of-year church service on Friday.

“As we move forward towards 2017, we can now reflect on what 2016 was like.”

Toropo says 2016 has not been an easy year for the PNGDF, with challenges of limited funds, resource and manpower capacity.

He thanked all his staff and team players for guiding the rest of the force through 2016 and ensuring that the force stayed on course in achieving some of its milestones.