William Onglo

Police Minister William Onglo said the security team deployed on Tuesday includes a squad from Mendi and a mobile unit in Hagen.

The deployment follows a meeting by the National Executive Council, which endorsed for early security operations in the entire Highlands region leading up to 2022 National General Elections. 

“I believe that we should not be running election with guns, but in certain part of the country we would use force to control the crowd and protect our citizens to exercise their democratic rights,” Minister Onglo said.

He said this when referring to yesterday’s Post-Courier front page, stating that police were yet to purchase firearms for security operations as per a police procurement process.

The Minister said this at the launching of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) 10 year Corporate Plan in port Moresby.

“RPNGC’s 2021 Budget was K64.2 million less from last year’s budget, given that scenery, we also have the COVID pandemic and we have struggled to meet the demands it has placed on us. In-Service Police Training also requires K1.4 million to carry out,” said Minister Onglo.

Minister Onglo said this in a statement following the National Court ruling nullifying the appointment of David Manning as Commissioner of Police and Secretary to the Department of Police.

The appointment of Manning was ruled unlawful by Justice David Canning’s on January 22nd.

In a statement Police Minister, William Onglo, said the Marape-led Government respected the decision of the National Court and will do its utmost best to comply with all and any orders issued.