Police Commissioner

Police officers called to put country first

“We are in a national health emergency which threatens our people so I challenge our officers to continue to be committed and loyal,” Manning said following queries whether police men and women engaged in the SOE were to be paid allowances.

“There was never a commitment to pay any allowances except for those that were deployed to other provinces for COVID-19. Money is a big issue and our priorities are in the health sector in terms of PPE and testing.

Police prep for COVID-19 response

“The police force will be at the forefront to combat this disease together with the Department of Health and other line responsible agencies so we have to be prepared,” Commissioner Manning said, adding that he is sending out circular instructions to all commanders to initiate their own local business continuity plans in anticipation of the pandemic reaching PNG.

“First and foremost is the education of my members on the disease, its symptoms, ways in which the disease can be contained or prevented from spreading and how my members will be able to protect themselves.

Law, order workshop for provincial police heads

The three-day workshop is being attended by Provincial Police Commanders from Hela, Southern Highlands, Enga, Western Highlands, Madang, West New Britain Province, Milne Bay, Oro and the two Metropolitan Commanders for Lae and NCD. Also present are headquarters based directors as well.

Manning said each of these provinces had, over the years, had serious law and order challenges resulting in a number of special police operations being mounted for various periods of time.

Police firearms safe, secure: Commissioner

Commissioner Manning said this following the National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop’s statement that some of the firearms and ammunitions used by criminals were from the police armoury.

“Police firearms are safe and secure. We have stringent security measures in place and up to date records of all firearms issued to our members. Losing a firearm by police officers is a dismissible offence,” responded Manning.

Police Commissioner to implement ‘gun buyback scheme’

Commissioner Manning made this comment following the ongoing use of firearms in tribal fights in various parts of PNG and in many of the serious crimes committed to date.

“About 80 percent of the serious crimes in PNG, including murder and armed robbery, are committed with some form of firearm, whether home or factory made. Firearms were used in the recent killing of policemen in Enga, Hela, Milne Bay and quite recently in Porgera,” he stated.

Police Commissioner calls for death penalty

He made the call whilst condemning the latest killing of a policeman in the gold mining township of Porgera in Enga Province.

“I have said it before and I will say it again, we cannot have policemen attacked and killed in such manner by criminal members of society. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is the embodiment of Government and State and an attack on police is an attack on these institutions,” stated the Commissioner.

Police officers attacked, Manning appeals for respect

Manning made this comment in the wake of increasing attacks on police officers around the country. In the recent incident last night, two members of the Mt Hagen based Mobile Squad 5 deployed to Porgera in the Enga Province were ambushed and shot by a band of more than 30 gunmen from the Hela Province.

One of the policeman was shot in the head. The second policeman was shot in his upper right thigh. Both are said to be in critical conditions and were flown into Port Moresby today for urgent medical treatment.

Justice promised for late Lari’s family

Police Commissioner David Manning stated: “I said in November and I repeat again today that all the policemen involved in the assault on Nelson Lari and his travelling companions will be dealt with. A number of policemen have been arrested and charged and more are expected to be arrested as well.

Bougainvilleans congratulated

Manning also commended the Bougainvilleans for their overwhelming desire to become an independent nation. He said whilst the process is still not over until its ratification by the National Parliament of PNG, the people of Bougainville have spoken.

Manning called on Papua New Guineans around the country to respect the wishes of the people of Bougainville to become an independent nation.

Police to investigate senior Health Dept officials

In a statement, David Manning said: “Basically, the Public Accounts Committee has identified criminal culpability on the part of a number of senior Health Department officials so we are in the process of interviewing them.

“Whilst the PAC has suspended its inquiry until the new year, the Police Force has a moral obligation to the people of PNG to investigate and take immediate appropriate action.

“I am grateful to the support given by both the Minister for Health and the Secretary for Health in this regard. We will work closely with them to ensure that justice prevails.