RPNGC

AFP Assistant Commissioner Jamie Straus outlined during the 1^st RPNGC 2022 National Election Security Conference today that they will continue to support the RPNGC through the PNG-Australia Partnership.

“I have been briefed on the unique challenges presented by the National Election and the crucial role the Constabulary will perform to support the National Elections,” said Commissioner Strauss.

Commissioner Strauss outlined that the AFP will support the RPNG in;

The deployment follows Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogovare’s urgent plea to closest neighbour PNG to assist contain the civil unrest.

Commissioner Manning said the request was specific to a support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to contain the current civil unrest in the city.

Of the 37 contingent, 14 of the personnel were Correctional Service officers, who were trained in Public Order Management during APEC 2018, while the rest are members of the RPNGC.

The inter-agency illicit and narcotic investigation team include the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) headed by Assistant Police Commissioner Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi and officers from PNG Customs Services, and personnel from the Australian Federal Police and the United States Department of Homeland Security.

The operation known as the Operation Saki Bomb busted a methamphetamine lab inside the Sanctuary Hotel, owned by Operations Manager Jamie Pang.

He has also summoned the Police Commissioner and Defence Commander to appear before him this morning at 8.30 to provide an explanation, after returning from East New Britain and hearing of the incident.

He said, "I am appalled at the news that members of our two disciplinary forces have resorted to the use of force and breaking of law to resolve a law and order issue.”

"Police and soldiers are supposed to be the most disciplined of people, yet it is very disappointing to see such breakdowns happening and continuing.

Videos circulating on the social media platform, Facebook, showed soldiers hanging onto the sides of a blue ten-seater vehicle, speeding away from the Boroko Police Station, followed by a police vehicle and personnel on foot.

Another video shows a soldier laying on the road. Reports confirmed that the soldier fell off the vehicle and was not shot, as speculated.

Business houses located within the vicinity of the commotion were forced to close their doors for fear of looting by the public.

He made this statement after Police uncovered a mini Methamphetamine lab operated by businessman, Jamie Pang last week.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner - Operations, Donald Yamasombi expressed concern that Police was not able to prosecute Pang because there is no legislation, describing it as a “slap in the face, even though Police have evidence to prove”.   

Minister Onglo said today that he has noted those concerns.

The 239 public servants who were serving in the abolished Department of Police will now become serving members in the Administrative Wing of the constabulary.

A joint letter was signed on Thursday, 23^rd of September, between Police Commissioner David Manning and Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management, Taies Sansan, signifying this reform. 

Police Commissioner, David Manning highlighted this during an administrative update recently in Port Moresby.

He said the purpose of the monitoring system at the back end of 2019, was to reduce anomalies within the payroll. 

“When this exercise first commenced the estimated over spend on payroll was K33m by end of 2019. As of pay 17, 2021 the estimated over-spend has been reduced by 36 percent,” Commissioner Manning said.