Killing policemen ‘barbaric act’

National

Police Association of Papua New Guinea president Lowa Tambua has described the killing of two police officers and wounding others in Wabag, Enga, on Saturday as a ‘barbaric act’.
Tambu in a statement yesterday said those responsible must face the full force of the law.
“This militant and rebellious behaviour against our law enforcement officers must be considered as an act of sedition, hence the state must marshal all the security apparatus available to rein in the culprits.
“The Police Association passes its condolences to the immediate families of the two officers.
“Without the presence of police officers, given the usual prevalent volatile circumstances during every national election, no one will obviously vote without being intimidated or coerced. Police personnel put their lives at risk in the frontlines throughout PNG to promote the spirit of democracy. Citizens must embrace and appreciate the work of all the police officers.
“The Police Association has considered this risk factor and has negotiated with the police department and the national government to secure and provide insurance cover for all serving police personnel throughout Papua New Guinea.
“The RPNGC and the government have agreed eventually and since last year, insurance premiums have being provided to provide life and medical insurance cover.
“We now call on the government to provide this year’s premium to cater for such casualties and any other unforeseen circumstances that are detrimental to the lives of our police officers.”