Manning: Protests banned nationwide

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
STAGING protests are banned nationwide, says National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning.
Manning and Defence Force deputy chief, Commodore Philip Polewara, warned during a joint media conference yesterday in Port Moresby that those planning to stage protests would be dealt with.
They condemned the plan by a group in Port Moresby, linked to the disciplined forces to stage a march in protest against the death of a soldier who they claimed had been vaccinated, as “ridiculous and childish nonsense by those who take pleasure in peddling fake news”.
Manning said: “I want those who are peddling lies to take a good look at themselves.
“Their lies will cost lives.
“Social media should not be used to push personal agendas, nor should it be used to cause panic in PNG.
“They have taken measures to discredit what Government is doing.
“Hundreds of people are dying of the Covid-19.
“Everyone in the country knows someone who has died of the Covid-19.”
Manning said the planned protest by a group in Port Moresby was not approved and would not involve any members of the constabulary or the military.
“We have been receiving vaccines in this country for decades.
“Why are people questioning the vaccines (now)?” Manning added.
Cmdr Polewara said: “We are affected like the rest of the country and we are doing our bit to ensure our members are safe.
“Our soldiers are not aware of any protest and will not participate in any.”
Manning urged social media users to be truthful on what they post and shared by their friends.
“Those who want to disrupt our country use social media to (promote) their agendas,” Manning said.
“It is not the business of the disciplined forces to be part of any form of protest that will affect national security.”