Paladin boosts Manus security

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
PALADIN Solution have flown in 25 extra security guards from Port Moresby to guard the refugee camps in Manus after local security guards went on strike for alleged discrimination treatment, Manus police commander chief Inspector David Yapu says.
Yapu said 361 local guards went on strike since Tuesday after the camps contracted management Paladin Solution suspended four of their spokesmen.
“Their spokesmen were suspended on Tuesday for presenting a petition demanding equal pay, compensation discrimination, over time payments and increments and supply of ration”.
Yapu expressed concern that the strike was putting the lives of the 525 refuges and non-refugees in danger as the three camps were open and locals could harmed them.
“Also the camp properties like the buildings can be damaged or set on fire. When the locals are at work, they provide security and prevent the refugees from harming themselves or to attempt suicide”.
Yapu said the strike started when the local workers presented their petition with 361 signatories through their four spokesmen to the Management last Tuesday.
On February 25, the management responded in a letter addressing these issues however the response to their petition didn’t go down well.
He said suspension notices were given to the spokesmen which saw the workers abandoning the meeting saying they would not return to work.
Yapu said that members of the mobile squad were present at the meeting to ensure situation remains quiet and nothing transpires into law and order issues.
He said that Paladin had charted a plane and flew 25 extra security guards from Port Moresby to Manus yesterday to provide security to the camps.
Paladin in response to questions raised by The National said: “Paladin is not in a position to comment publicly on any matters relating to our work on behalf of the Australian Government in Papua New Guinea.”
Paladin instead directed The National to questions Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.
“Our number one priority and focus right now is the safety, security and wellbeing of our staff, the communities in which we operate and the people in our care,” Paladin said.