Cops confiscate uniforms

By REBECCA KUKU
KOMO police confiscated police and army uniforms at the Komo International Airport in Hela last week.
According to a police statement yesterday, police confirmed that they confiscated one blue field uniform, three police long pants and a pair of GB boots as well as one set of PNG Defence Force camouflage uniform, one shirt and one short trousers.
“These items are now in police custody and investigations are being conducted into their origin and where its final intended destination,” the statement said.
“We are aware that misinformation can create fear and panic, hence our clarification.”
Hela Governor Philip Undialu has also called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
“I call on the defence and police hierarchies to launch an investigation to establish if it’s true that all the boxes that were brought in a chartered flight to Komo on a private jet contained police and defence uniforms as alleged on social media,” he said.
“From what I gather, the alleged boxes of uniforms is fake news, only one police uniform with boots and one defence uniform were confiscated.

PNGDF deploys men, vehicles

SEVENTEEN vehicles and 17 combat drivers were sent off in a quiet dedication ceremony at Igam Barrack at 3am by the PNG Defence Force.
PNGDF Ops Natel task group two chaplain Captain David Ndramen dedicated the fleet and the drivers to God before deploying them to the highlands to support the police-led security operations for the General Election 2022 (GE22).
“Today, as you all deploy, it is important that we seek God’s blessing and protection of each of you and the cars you will be driving,” he said.
“Therefore, today, we ask the Lord to protect and guide each of you during your duty.”
After the dedication service, team leader and supervisor chief warrant officer Annis Ninim gave his orders to all the drivers.
He told his drivers to put safety first while on duty and observe traffic rules.
He also challenged them to take good care of the cars as they were brand new ones given by Australian defence force purposely to use for GE22.
The Green Fleet team left as early as 4am from Lae to Mt Hagen.

Central police to strictly monitor alcohol ban, says Midi

POLICE in Central will beef up security to monitor the alcohol ban in the province, provincial commander Supt John Midi says.
He said highway patrol units had been on the ground imposing the ban since the province announced it.
“We have tasked the Central highway patrol units to carry out random roadblocks which has been ongoing” he said.
Midi said as the province approached the main event of the 2022 General Election (GE22), which was polling and counting, they would intensify the operation.
“Same as the National Capital District, we will step up on imposing the ban also in Central,” he added.
He called on villagers to avoid alcohol-related fights like the recent one at the Papa and Lealea villages last weekend, which caused two deaths.
Meanwhile, Central provincial administrator and chief liquor commissioner Francis Koaba said liquor ban in the province started on May 12 and would end on July 31.
He said the purpose of the ban was to ensure a peaceful and trouble-free GE22 in each village.
“Provincial liquor officials have been advised to closely monitor and ensure that liquor restrictions are adhered to ,” he said.

Policemen staging illegal road checks and collecting illegal fees

By ELIAS LARI
POLICE officers conducting illegal road checks along the Highlands Highway and demanding a fine from commuters is illegal and totally wrong, a senior officer says.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Highlands eastern command, Rigga Neggi, said that the practise was “very bad for the constabulary”.
Neggi said road checks were not supposed to be conducted unnecessarily nor was the charging of illegal fees along the highway.
He said many people were becoming victims to it, especially those travelling the Highlands Highway towards Chimbu, Eastern Highlands and even Jiwaka.
Neggi said that the travelling public and PMV owners or trucking firms depended on police to provide security.
“They depend on you to provide security, not for you to use bullying tactics to demand their money,” he said.
“You should to do something positive instead of taking a day off on the highway collecting illegal fees and this practice must stop.”
Neggi urged police officers to follow their code of conduct and perform duties within their boundaries.
He said people should not fear police, but they have to find comfort and security when having police presence around them.
He said officers at all times must maintain people’s trust and confidence instead of destroying the good name of the constabulary.
Neggi added that many people did not feel well when travelling the highway because of the illegal road checks and this should stop immediately.
“You need to do something good and know that you are paid to do your job, which you have choose.”
“You choose to serve the people and the country and policing means security and order so you must lead by example,” he said.