Lack of boats hindering police effort to battle sea piracy

By JACKLYN SIRIAS
THE police are working on improving the water police unit in terms of capabilities to respond to sea piracy in coastal provinces, says Commissioner Gari Baki.
This follows concerns raised by provincial police commanders in the coastal provinces that the lack of logistical support such as boats have hampered efforts to investigate the cases.
“We have just re-established our maritime police, our water police,” Baki said.
He said resources were being channelled into the department to cater for maritime issues.
“We’ve got resources coming in, but our concentration will be on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit,” he said.
Baki said boats in Lae and one in Kimbe would all be taken to Port Moresby to provide support during Apec.
“Immediately after Apec, we’ll be looking at other provinces that are facing issues with piracy to get those boats allocated,” he said.
He acknowledged the Huon-Gulf MP for assisting police in his area.
“I only wish that some other members of parliament come on board and assist the police, particularly those along the coastal areas to have dinghies donated,” he said.
“So we are limited in the resources in terms of having sufficient boats to go out to the provinces. But it’s a drive in looking at what happens after Apec.”