Madang police threaten to boycott counting over pay

By PISAI GUMAR
POLICE officers from Madang province involved in providing election security are likely to boycott the counting of votes if their second batch of allowances is not paid.
The officers voiced their concern to provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr, who sympathised with them.
In Usino-Bundi, returning officer Steven Biko said 61 security personnel had yet to
receive their allowances unlike their colleagues in the other five districts.
Wagambie said the officers were supposed to receive K200 per day for 24 election period days but were paid K100 per day.
“I encourage all committed policemen and women on the ground to continue with their obligation because the formalities were done and name lists were submitted to the police headquarters to sort the issue out.
“I sympathise with the police officers because they rightfully deserve what they are arguing for because most of them walk the mountains, terrains and jungles.
“Almost 90% of the police use money from their pockets to buy credit for mobile phones to give updates and situation reports in remote areas,” Wagambie said.
He said the allowances should have been paid once so officers could budget for the elections period.
Meanwhile, police have arrested Madang town mayor Mike Kamo after he allegedly burnt the vehicle of his brother-in-law, who is a Madang open candidate.
Wagambie clarified that it was an ongoing family issue and not election-related.