CS probes attack

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
AROUND 300 Correctional Services officers are being investigated for their alleged involvement in the storming of Parliament last week and the damage to properties and the building, an official says.
Acting Commissioner Stephen Pokanis said the officers were cooperating with the investigation headed by Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Dennis Piandi.
“A total 371 PNGCS officers were engaged in the Apec Joint Security Task Force of which 300 were at Parliament with police officers protesting their allowances (on Tuesday),” he said.
On Wednesday, he and Correctional Services Minister Roy Biyama met the 371 officers at the Bomana Training College after they had been stood down and handed in all their guns to the armoury.
“The officers are cooperating with us. And an independent investigation will determine the people involved in damaging parliament (properties) and who gave the instruction for them to cause damage,” he said.
“We made it very clear to them that parliament is a sacred place. It is our sovereignty. It is our democracy. It represents PNG. Laws are passed in this important building.
“CS officers are not allowed in there – only on invitation. Any officer going there without approval is (committing) an offence. Although they have shown remorse, they will still be investigated and disciplinary action will be taken.”
He said the internal investigation would take some time because it was a very serious matter.
“And after our own internal investigations, the suspects will be referred to the police to face criminal charges. It will be a long process.”