Cops, soldiers fight in Boroko

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
SOLDIERS attacked Boroko police in Port Moresby yesterday morning, turning the streets into a battlefield.
Shots were even fired by soldiers but fortunately no one, including the public, was injured.
Businesses scrambled to pull down their shutters with the public running helter-skelter for cover at 11am.
All businesses in the vicinity of the police station were disrupted for more than two hours before the situation was calmed by police top guns and military police. The situation is reportedly still tense.
Police Commissioner David Manning said the actions by several policemen and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) soldiers would be investigated.
“The actions by members of both disciplined forces do not go down well with the public and the country’s image,” he said.
“I apologise to the public for the fear and anxiety this incident caused, but assure that the investigation into the incident is well and truly underway.” According to initial police information, the fight involved soldiers based in Taurama and National Capital District policemen at the Boroko police station.
“It was a result of a quarrel between a lone soldier and policemen in the weekend,” Comm Manning said. “Attempts to have the matter resolved failed and was scheduled to be resolved this morning in the police station.
“Unfortunately, while the matter was being addressed by all parties, soldiers attacked a police vehicle, commandeered it and removed weapons from the vehicle.
“They then proceeded to discharge the weapon in public.
“The matter was reported to both police and the military hierarchy which resulted in military police being deployed to help bring the situation under control.
“Both PNGDF and police investigations are now underway to ascertain the facts and appropriate action will be taken under both military and criminal laws to deal with these individuals.”
Deputy chief of PNGDF Commodore Philip Polewara said those involved were being interrogated by the military police. He said they were dealing with their members.
According to video clips circulating, policemen and soldiers were locked in a heated argument in front of the police station.
A few minutes later, a dark blue 10-seater is seen leaving the area with a lone soldier running after the vehicle.
Another video clip showed the soldier on his tummy on the tarmac with confusion and people running away in fear.
In yet another video, the soldier is seen being assaulted by four policemen who kicked his head repeatedly, knocking him unconscious.
They then dragged him away on the tarmac and put him into a police vehicle.
Comm Manning said he was equally disgusted with the actions of the policemen after the soldier had collapsed.
“All videos have been forwarded to my office and I have reviewed them. I am in constant communication with my counterparts in Murray Barracks,” he added.
According to the PNGDF, all personnel are confined to their barracks which is now under lockdown.
Two soldiers are in the custody of police and will be handed over to the military police.