THE chief executive officer of Cocoa Coconut Institute of PNG (CCIPNG) Dr Vele Ila'ava was beaten up at his home in Kerevat, East New Britain province, last weekend.
He was allegedly beaten up by a former director and four senior staff of CCIPNG, who were escorted by armed policemen.
Dr Ila'ava was beaten up with two other men, Henry Lote, a director of the NGIP Board and Ralf Yamb, former lecturer of Vudal University.
Dr Ila'ava said the four senior staff of CCIPNG were allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
During the attack the facilities in his home like beds and chairs were damaged and the windscreen to Mr Yamb's car was also smashed.
Dr Ila'ava has fled his home and is currently living with relatives.
Dr Ila'ava and Mr Lote told The National yesterday that they were at home when the attackers marched into Dr Ila'ava's residence with five armed mobile police personnel.
Mr Lote said though the police officers appeared to be trying to stop them, the attackers attacked them and demanded that Dr Ila'ava move out of the residence.
Mr Lote said he believed the attack was related to the recent reappointment of Dr Ila'ava to the job.
It is understood acting chief executive officer of CCIPNG Hosea Turbarat took out a restraining order last Friday to prevent the reappointment of Dr Ila'ava by the chairman of CCIPNG Patrick Wolly.
Mr Turbarat claimed the new CCIPNG board headed by Mr Wolly was illegally appointed.
The case is set for a hearing in the National Court on Oct 5.
Dr Ila'ava was advised by Mr Wolly on Sept 11 to take up office, and has been at work for only a week when he was attacked.
The attack was reported to Kokopo police yesterday. 

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