PNGDF

The Chief of Joint Operations, Colonel Ezekia Wenzel says that the directive was issued today by the PNGDF Commander to ensure that the troops are reminded of their core functions while out on duty.

Colonel Wenzel says that the troops on call out are there under specific orders which do not include escort services.

He warns that given this directive, any troops found to be carrying out escort parties for civilians will be dealt with accordingly.

The Colonel adds that this directive is in place to ensure the army’s impartially while out on duty or operations.

The Delta Company of the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment are on standby to be sent over to the province.

According to the Chief of Joint Operations, Colonel Ezekia Wenzel, the thirty plus troops will be sent over to relieve the current Alpha Company that has been on duty there for the past four months.

Colonel Wenzel says that the troops have been tasked to reinforce exiting security on ground while at the same time maintain a presence on ground.

Colonel Opa Lari, Deputy Commander of the Joint Security Task Force, says all the agencies are at the end of the planning stage and are now into preparatory stages.

The Col explained that the exercise rehearsals will see them trial out their main operational plans, adding that the defence force will be providing capabilities that are not vested with the police.

The Queen’s Birthday friendly games, which will end on Monday, boasts the theme: “Promote mass participation for unity and pride as wives of the disciplinary forces”.

Whilst commending the women behind this inaugural event, the Commanding Officer for the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR), Lieutenant Colonel Boniface Aruma, said the women have set a benchmark for the men.

Aruma said the PNGDF men have tried to initiate a get-together with their counterparts from the Royal PNG Constabulary and Correctional Services, but have continuously failed.

With the recent dismissal of the soldier involved in the attack of an ENT doctor, PNGDF Chief of Staff Philip Polewara says action has been taken to rectify the wrongdoing.

Polewara says a statement will be released soon with regards to other outstanding disciplinary action on serving members who have been found to be guilty of misconduct.

The talks are a lead up to the Defense Corporation talks this Wednesday.

The Joint Operations Commander, Colonel Siale Diro outlined that the talks will be focused on the basics of the PNGDF and ADF corporative programs.

Tuesday will be Army to Army Talks, while the main component of the talks will be this Wednesday.

The Defense Corporation talks are symbolic of joint liaison between the two forces in terms of training and logistical support.

Enga Governor Peter Ipatas says they are seeking to have more soldiers on ground to help deal with the law and order problem in the Province.

He said the soldier’s deployment would be under the NEC sanctioned Call Out for the Southern Highlands, Hela and Enga Province following the devastating earthquake.

Ipatas said since the call out only 20 soldiers were deployed to Enga.

Enga Provincial Police Commander, George Kakas confirmed that 20 soldiers arrived in Enga last Thursday but 10 had to return to Southern Highlands Province.

The officers had undergone five days of intense public order management training aimed to erect an effective safety and security cell that will manage public disorder during the APEC summit.

Under the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership program intended for the Joint Security Task Force, PNGDF Military Police personnel displayed their skills and techniques in responding to riots as well as crowd control, mostly in unpredicted situations.

The two officers are Lieutenant Colonel Opa Opa, and Lieutenant Commander, Sabastian Maru.

Lt Col Opa Opa is a very senior officer of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and has served in all infantry units.

He is the former Commanding Officer of the 2^nd Royal Pacific Island Regiment. In 2015 he was posted as the Deputy Security Commander to APEC 2018.

Under his command he was able to develop a security plan for APEC 2018.

He is now promoted to the rank of full colonel.

The men had gone through 3 months of theory and practical military training in order to qualify for military work.

The culmination of the theory and practical exercise was a mock dawn raid conducted recently in Central Province.

Meantime, the PNG Defence Force Training Commander, Captain Philip Polewara, said after the raid that he was satisfied with the exercise and looks forward to their final parade.

(File picture)