Defence officers asked to show commitment

By JACKLYN SIRIAS
PAPUA New Guinea Defence Force officers are urged to pledge their commitment to serve the country.
Commander Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo challenged the officers during the first commanders’ service this year at the Marimari Lutheran Church in Port Moresby yesterday to seek God’s guidance in using the limited resources they had.
“Our presence here, especially as members of the PNGDF, is a call by God because there are so many men and women out there that are vying for the positions that each and everyone of us are sitting on.
“But because it is God’s calling in our life he chose us specifically to be members of PNGDF,” Toropo said.
He reminded the officers that as they reflected on their past achievements, it was important for them to reflect on the responsibilities expected of them in the force.
“Basically this year is a very significant year for PNGDF because our government has taken a great undertaking to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders’ summit in our country,” he said.
“The whole world will be watching as we progress through.
“And PNGDF will play a significant role to provide security that is conducive to the 21 Apec leaders who will come to attend.”
Toropo said that apart from their responsibilities for the Apec leaders’ summit, they would also continue their normal operations in the country to make sure peace and safety prevailed.
“That is why we have to commit ourselves and our duties to God as we begin 2018.”
He encouraged officers that it was a great calling for all of them to serve God and the people.