Locate, search and destroy, soldiers told

 By ANGELINE KARIUS

OPERASI Papua Merdeka (OPM) rebel camps on PNG soil will be located, searched and destroyed as part of Sunset Merona’s operational orders. 

That’s from PNG Defence Force colonel and joint forces operational commander Vagi Oala when briefing soldiers participating in the operation. 

“The mission is to support the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (police) seek, locate and destroy OPM rebel camps.

“OPM rebels’ operation here is illegal,” Oala said. 

He said the presence of rebels had disrupted the locals’ normal daily lives along the border. 

“There are people living in fear,” he added. 

Locals living along the border feared for their lives when tending to their gardens along the border.

Oala said any illegal immigrants caught would be treated as any other person charged with a crime under PNG laws. 

Meanwhile, police personnel involved in Sunset Merona had started conducting night patrols along the Aitape-Vanimo and Vanimo-Wutung roads. 

Three Malaysians were detained but later released after they were handed over to foreign affairs officials.