A RETIRED Anglican bishop has allegedly been named as one of the leaders of the alleged cult movement who are wanted by police in the flood-devastated Oro province.
The retired bishop (named) from Kausada village is said to be the founder of Puwo Gawe literally meaning “come see” that reportedly had a large following in the province.
A former Anglican holy sister (named) will be brought in together with other ring leaders for questioning by police.
Oro provincial police commander senior Insp Samuel Jumangu is determined to have the leaders of the movement brought to him for questioning over alleged unfair distribution of relief supplies from the main operation centre at the Popondetta campus Vudal University.
The police action comes after some group of people claiming to be members of Puwo Gawe reportedly disadvantaged other people when they claimed relief supplies meant for flood victims.
One of these incidents reportedly happened at Begabari village along the north coast.
Insp Jamangu said there were increased reports of such “forceful” removal of goods by people claiming to be followers of the movement.
These alleged action by the group breached the Oro Disaster State of Emergency’s Order No.8 which states: “All complaints which are criminal in nature must be reported to the Popondetta police station. This includes misuse of relief supplies (food, medical drugs, non food supplies), and other criminal acts.
“They (followers) have breached orders of the State of Emergency. They have challenged the provincial police commander, police station commander and the Government of PNG so we are fighting a legal battle,” Insp Jamangu said.
He said once the named people were brought in, then through their information more people claiming to be leaders of the sect would be rounded up.