By SHEILA LASIBORI
IT is more than 14 months and there is still no investigation yet into the killing of an Indonesian fisherman in Vanimo, Sandaun province.
The fisherman reportedly from the fishing town of Merauke was shot allegedly by a border patrol team made up of PNG Defence Force and National Fisheries Authority officers.
The shooting on Aug 8,2006, also injured two others while the team apprehended another seven fishermen for allegedly fishing 12km into PNG waters between Wutung (the common border) and Mushu village.
It was reported that the joint surveillance team patrolling the sea border spotted the fishermen off the coast near Mushu village and fired a warning shot for them to surrender but they tried to escape and were fired upon.
The National understands Chief Secretary to Government Isaac Lupari will be making a public statement on the status of this case.
Soon after the killing last year, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare directed that an investigation be conducted into the incident, reportedly after the Indonesian government demanded an explanation into the killing.
The demand was coursed through Indonesian foreign minister Dr Hassan Wirajuda last Aug 10 to PNG ambassador to Jakarta Christopher Mero, where he gave Mr Mero a diplomatic protest note.
Last Aug 14, PNGDF Chief of Staff (Navy) Captain Ur Tom told the media the soldiers stationed at the border “acted alone”.
He said there was no authority from PNGDF hierarchy for the section of Vanimo-based infantry to carry out or be part of the surveillance operation.
Last week, officers from the Attorney-General’s Office, who will lead a team from appropriate departments and institutions to the investigate, said they were still waiting for the Prime Minister’s Department, particularly the Office of Security Coordination and Assessment (Osca).
It is also not known if the terms of reference (ToR) for the investigation had been drawn up.