Minister clarifies police jobs in B’ville

THE Bougainville Police Service deputy chief’s post is within the PNG Police Commissioner’s command structure, says Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr.
He said provisions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) were specific, that any appointment of the region’s police commander would be in consultation with the Bougainville government.
Tsiamalili was responding to comments by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama opposing the appointment of Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Wagambie Jnr as deputy chief of police in Bougainville.
Toroama described the appointment as unconstitutional and in violation of the BPA, claiming the ABG was not consulted.
But Tsiamalili said: “There is no mention of the deputy chief of police of the Bougainville Police Service in this context,” the position is under the PNG police commissioner’s command structure.
He said consultation was only necessary for the appointment of the Bougainville police commander.
He said all other rank and file positions within the Bougainville Police Service came under Police Commissioner David Manning’s authority.
“This distinction underscores the need for collaborative decision-making where the Bougainville Government is involved in the selection of the head of the Bougainville police while maintaining the national police commissioner’s authority to manage internal structure,” Tsiamalili said.
He regretted any misunderstanding or miscommunication that may have occurred during the appointment process, resulting in the concerns raised by Toroama.
Tsiamalili pledged personal engagement with relevant authorities to ensure future consultations and appointments align with the provisions of the BPA, and respecting the autonomy of Bougainville.
He also reiterated the PNG Government’s commitment to upholding the BPA and work with the ABG to achieve lasting peace, prosperity and security for the people of Bougainville.