RPNGC

The officers were killed in the line of duty during the 2017, National General Elections, in Mendi where they were allegedly ambushed while on duty.

The Sioni Kami memorial church was packed with families, relatives, friends and representatives from the RPNGC, AFP and the provincial government who were there to pay their last respects.

The slain officers were travelling with three others when another vehicle with armed attackers pulled up alongside the police vehicle and sprayed bullets on the occupants, killing the two officers instantly.

The arrested police personnel were paid K1000 to help ferry store goods for a Tapini businessman, but were intercepted at a police road block last week.

The Central provincial police commander, Laimo Asi, says that the police driver was arrested for illegal use of a motor vehicle and driving with an expired license.

The two other policemen caught with him at the road check on Friday have been arrested along with the driver, the three are now being detained in the cells awaiting further investigations.

This morning saw the 4^th batch of officer’s graduate from successfully completing trainings and practice sessions with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police.

Director for Traffic, Joe Joseph said so far, traffic have graduated more than 30 men and this points out goals that we have intended to achieve.

“With the new skills and the new motorcycles, it given the officers an upper hand when it comes to motorcade escorts and we are prepared.”

They told Loop PNG that they will not repatriate the bodies until people responsible for the murder go behind the bars.

The Funeral arrangement committee headed by Hela Gimbu Association chairman, Damien Arabagali have given the petition to the Southern Highlands leaders on behalf of the relatives.

Southern Highlands Governor William Powi, received the petition and passed his condolences to the family.

He said the SHP leaders will look into the petition and respond in a few days’ time.

From West Sepik Province, Constable Valentina Kowa, joined the Royal Papua New Guinea in 2013.

She becomes the first policewoman to join the Police Dog Unit since policewomen were first recruited into the Constabulary in 1976.

Constable Kowa successfully completed her eight-week intensive specialist canine handlers and dogs training with 13 male officers.

“I am so happy and very grateful today. It is very challenging but I have made it and I want to encourage policewomen to join the Dog Directorate,” Constable Kowa said.

The clarification, from the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Commander Ben Turi, follows concerns raised by the public on a number of illegal operations, allegedly by these officers.

Turi explained that these personnel operating under the urban safety logo are recognised reservists who are helping ensure the smooth running of the city.

The police boss was queried on some of their notorious activities, like an incident that occurred early last month where urban safety officers, in police uniforms, allegedly raided vendors at a hospital bus stop and assaulted a young man.

Commissioner for Police, Gari Baki, told Loop PNG this morning that at the moment, he is happy with the progress of RPNGC in regards to the preparations for the 2018 APEC Summit.

He said RPNGC’s dialogue with partners abroad is ongoing and looks to be very productive.

Baki said an Indonesian team is currently in Port Moresby to look at areas where they could assist RPNGC.

A team has been flown to Vietnam, of which Baki was supposedly to go with yesterday but had to remain back because of the shooting in Southern Highlands Province.

This year instead of the usual traditional mass, the officers and dignitaries gathered for a dawn service them a commemoration and unveiling of a police memorial to commemorate fallen comrades.

Police Commissioner, Gari Baki said that today’s celebrations is the first of its kind placing significance on the main agenda of the day which is to remember the lives of the service personnel that died while on duty.

“Now we have a memorial monument it will capture the records of any of the service personnel that were slain during the line of duty.

Wong, when giving his maiden speech as Police Minister has pledge to start fresh and make RPNGC the best government entity in the country and Pacific.

 "The Royal Papua New Guinea Police Constabulary is one of the key establishments of Papua New Guinea. We have a long and proud history, steeped in meritorious conduct and our institution is the platform for which law and order in this country should be built upon."

He said too often, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has been the centre of controversy, tainted by the actions of a few.