PPC David Yapu

Escapee wounded by police

Masang Sion tried to escape from police during a settlement raid in the early hours of Wednesday January 6th. He was shot on his left ankle, where he was admitted to the Lorengau General Hospital.

Youths speared with fishing gun

One of the victims, Nih Muli, was transported by boat to Lorengau Hospital. The spear had penetrated Muli on the left side of his abdomen to the right side, where he underwent an operation to remove it.

“The other victim was speared on his chin and the spear penetrated from one end to the other end,” said Provincial Police Commander, David Yapu.

15 arrested over land dispute clash

PPC Manus, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the fight on August 8th saw bush material houses burnt down as well as food crops.

The fight also disrupted classes at the Mbunai Primary School. Fortunately, no one was injured.

A team of Mobile Squad 10 members were sent to the area where they arrested 15 people, including the two leaders of the fighting groups.

American arrested over drugs in Manus

The 42 year old woman had marijuana in her possession, worth K5000 street value.

She is in the country on a tourist visa and has been in Lorengau for two weeks, according to Manus’ Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu.

PPC Yapu said a team, comprising of Police, Customs and PNG Immigration officers, raided the lodge on September 22 upon complaint from the lodge management.

PPC Yapu said whilst she was in Lorengau town some of the refugees had been frequenting her room.

Refugee charged with attempted arson

 24 year old Adam Korwa was charged with attempted arson.

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu said the Sudanese refugee allegedly had an argument with Paladin Security Guards on September 17 over the West Lorengau Refugee transit center Centre Rules, before threatening to burn down the building.  

He later set alight his beddings in his room which was put out by other refugees.

The matter was reported to Police by PNG Immigration officers which resulted in the arrest of Adam Korwa, on Friday September 21.

Refugees attempting suicides worrying

The province received reports of three attempted suicide cases, two involving refugees.

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu said the reports of Refugees committing Suicide in Manus is worrying, and both PNG and Australian Governments should look into this situation or more deaths by suicide will take place.

On August 28 at the East Lorengau Refugee Transit Centre, an Iranian refugee poured petrol on himself and tried to set himself alight but his roommate intervened.

Police: Peaceful celebrations in Manus

Provincial Police Commander, chief inspector David Yapu, said the main celebrations were staged at Independence Park in Lorengau town with flag raising by PNGDF HMPNGS Tarangau in the morning and lowering of the flag in the afternoon.

The Governor of Manus, Charlie Benjamin, who was the guest speaker, delivered a keynote address on the occasion of the 43rd Independence Anniversary to the people of Manus.

Yapu said the Police were out in full force to ensure the celebrations were staged peacefully and orderly.

4 arrested over land dispute killing

Manus police arrested and charged Bart Kakap Soongkop (30), Andrew Ohong (52), Andrew Pohak (62) and Peter Paul (19), all from Ndrehet village, and charged them for the murder of 33-year-old Thomas Soongkombek.

It is alleged they attacked the deceased and hit him on his head with a piece of timber, which caused fracture to his brain and caused his death.

Three other men were also arrested and charged with the unlawful wounding of the deceased’s brother, Alphonse Soongkombek.

Timber pierced SHP man’s head: Police

Police in Manus have arrested 2 suspects for unlawfully wounding the Erave man at upper ward 6, Lorengau town.

PPC Manus, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the suspects were drunk and approached the victim at his house where they hit him on his head with a piece of timber.

The victim was rushed to the hospital, where the embedded object was removed.

“Otherwise, he could have died had the timber penetrated his skull,” said PPC Yapu.

Manus police rule out ballot box allegations

With just five days away to the commencement of polling on June 24, Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, is warning people from making false allegations or speculations.

“Such allegation is false and not true and will create doubts in the mindset of the voters,” PPC Yapu made these comments when ruling out rumours that seven ballot boxes were brought to the province and hidden away, awaiting polling.