Alleged assault on police officer by soldiers ‘resolved’

POLICE Commissioner David Manning says the assault on a police officer allegedly by off-duty soldiers which led to his death had been “resolved” by the two disciplined forces.
In his Covid-19 update yesterday, Manning said the “unfortunate” incident almost created a confrontation between the two forces.
“We have resolved the issue,” he said.
“Three members of the PNGDF who were off-duty and allegedly drunk have since been arrested.
“Police investigations are ongoing.”
“Both (disciplined forces) regret the unfortunate and regrettable incident.
“It was an isolated case and is being treated as a law and order issue.”
The officer died at the Port Moresby General Hospital last Saturday afternoon.
Comm Manning said the military and constabulary “have always enjoyed a formidable and cordial relationship and have worked together on many disasters, emergencies, special police operations including national elections and will continue to work together”.
“Our cooperation has continued into the Covid-19 state of emergency operations, being a fundamental part of the joint agency task force and assisting the health response team.”
Comm Manning also said that the northern and southern border areas between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia posed the biggest threat, given the increasing number of Covid-19 cases across the border.