Alotau imposes curfew amid threat

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
A MIDNIGHT-to-5am curfew has been declared in Alotau in the face of increasing threat of more violence following the killing of criminal Tommy Baker.
Provincial police commander Supt Peter Barkie told The National that the provincial law and order committee agreed during a meeting on Tuesday that a curfew be imposed.
The curfew in Alotau will be from midnight to 5am while the rest of Milne Bay is from 10pm to 5am.
“Milne Bay is the largest maritime province in the country and many move from island to island,” he said.
“(Because of) the current weather patterns experienced around the country, sea movement is also restricted from 6pm to 6am.
“It is also to ensure no one travels in the evening in the rough weather and to stop any form of sea piracy.”
A team from the police and the provincial transport authority will enforce the orders.
“Any breach of the orders will see police exercise discretionary powers,” he said.
“This means, we will ensure a fine is imposed or a person is charged depending on the severity (of the case),” Supt Barkie said.
Baker, 36, a father of six, was killed in a shootout with police on Thursday Dec 30, near the Kwain settlement in Alotau.
His parents have urged the rest of his gang to surrender to police.