Huafolo clarifies: Promos in order

IT is within Police Commissioner Gari Baki’s powers to make the recent promotions, deputy commissioner Raphael Huafolo, says.
Huafolo said the promotions made were “proper” and “in order”.
“The principles to apply to transfers and promotions are governed by Section 48(2) (c) of the Police Act which allows, at all times, the commissioner the discretion to transfer any member to any location where the exigencies of the service is required,” he said.
“Further, the commissioner of police, in exercising wider powers under Section 198 of the Constitution, has the judicial discretion under the Police Act 1998 to promote and appoint persons to positions in the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary where there is a demand for the services required.
“The powers of the Police commissioner under the Constitution and the Police Act 1998 does not undermine the functions of the Police promotions board, but allows the commissioner discretion to make promotions and transfers should there be a need.”
Huafolo said all recent promotions met those requirements.
“These promotions were made based on merit and filled a vacuum in the various police command structures,” he said.
“Samson Kua was appointed acting assistant commissioner of police and commander border, a position he held for four years until his promotion.
“Joe Poma was acting assistant commissioner traffic for close to two years. Further, he has been a chief superintendent for close to 15 years.
“Hodges Ette was acting assistant commissioner crimes for over a year and was promoted and appointed to the position.
“Hodges has been a chief superintendent for close to 15 years as well.
“And Peter Philip held the rank of superintendent and was commandant of the police college which is a chief superintendent position. He has performed well and to expectations and was simply promoted to the rank required for the position.”
Huagolo added that Paul Nii was a contract officer, who had a masters degree specialising in criminal law and was acting director legal for over a year prior to his promotion to chief superintendent and confirmed as the force’s principal legal officer.
“Philip Mitna is the only police officer with a PhD and is currently director of research and planning. His elevation to chief superintendent reflects his academic achievements,” he said.
“Francis Aigilo was also contracted as legal officer and performed exceptionally well as the principal legal officer for the joint security task force for Apec 2018.
“When a vacancy existed for the senior legal officer position he was appointed and again performed well for over a year.
“His confirmation to the position and promotion to superintendent was only natural.
“And Apollos Terry was promoted to inspector to enable him to carry on an important tasking given by the police commissioner.
“Due to widespread complaints of police misconduct, abuse, brutality and corruption within NCD, the police commissioner established the policing the police task force team (PPTFT)with Apollos Terry as its leader.
“Within a year the PPTFT made a total of 260 arrests. Of that number 60 of them are policemen, 38 of whom have been committed to stand trial for various crimes, eight sentenced to prison and about 14 currently being processed,” he said.
Huafolo also clarified that due to the hosting of Apec 2018 , RPNGC was not able to call for promotions and convene a police promotions board meeting last year.