Concern over attack on priests

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
ACTING Southern commander Chief Supt Rigga Neggi says frustrated Tommy Maeva Baker gang members were responsible for attacking and robbing six catholic priests after failing to seize control of the police station.
He said about 70 gang members engaged with the police in a six-hour gun battle from 11pm on March 18, to 5am the following morning.
Miraculously and fortunately, no policeman was injured in the sporadic crossfires sparked by the robbers and killers as revenge for the recent deaths of their accomplices.
Alotau diocese Bishop Rolando Santos said about 15 of the gang members raided the house and assaulted the priests and an expatriate priest suffered severe head injuries.
The mob fled with laptops, mobile phones, cash and other valuables they could find, including a new dinghy motor, solar panels and television.
Alotau MP Charles Abel said he was working with the provincial law and order committee to address the surprise attack on the catholic priests.
“I am working with the youths of Garuboi Street to address the attack at Fr John Sinou House,” he said.
“I have gone on Radio Milne Bay to publicly condemn the attack on the six priests.”
Abel said on Tuesday that he had clarified his stand on the attack after Bishop Santos raised concern on his stand on the attack.
“I was in Alotau when the attack happened but I did not hear about it until the next day and I visited Bishop Santos and the priests,” he said.
“Such attacks are unacceptable and I have condemned the attack.”