Ample police for manhunt

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
POLICE have enough manpower and logistical support in Milne Bay to hunt down wanted criminal Tommy Baker and his gang members, says Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Donald Yamasombi.
“We have (about 60) Port Moresby-based policemen, mobile squad and air tactical unit members on the ground,” he said.
He was responding to comments by provincial police commander Peter Barkie that the Government should treat Baker and his gang members who are terrorists as a national security issue and not just a criminal one.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Yamasombi said police already had forensic detectives and special investigation unit officers in Alotau.
“There is no need for drones or helicopters to search for the gang members,” he said.
“These Port Moresby-based policemen only have to work with the Alotau-based policemen and the people to get information to track down the gang.”
He said the hunt for Baker should not be categorised as a security issue.
“The gang members are mostly youths and what they are accused off are criminal acts,” he said.
He said Supt Barkie was yet to provide his operation plan to the police headquarters in Port Moresby.
“We don’t know how he is operating and what resources he needs,” he said.
“Yes, we understand that criminals have done tremendous damage like the burning down of two police barracks.”
He assured the Port Moresby policemen in Alotau that they would receive their allowances.
Meanwhile, Supt Barkie said he had already submitted his operation plan to police headquarters on May 6.
“(Police management) is fully aware of what I am doing and what resources I need,” he said.