Callout begins

By JEFFREY ELAPA and KEVIN TEME
MORE than 8,000 members of the combined security forces will be stationed at all electorates in the country to ensure public safety and security during the election period, a senior army officer said.
It included 800 soldiers from the various barracks, with another 300 troops on stand-by.
Joint force commander Col Gilbert Toropo revealed the manpower strength yesterday as police intelligence reports indicated there was a threat of criminal activities to disrupt the election.
Toropo said preparations for the election were on target and for the first time ever, police, army and the  correctional services were combining forces to ensure security during the national election.
“We have more than 8,000 security force elements combining all three forces to support the election,’’ he said.
“And for the PNGDF alone, 800 troops are committed to supporting the election while another 300 troops are on stand-by to assist if the situation warrants it.”
Police feared that increasing arms smuggling and trafficking were taking place in the country.
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