PNGDF gives Madang response plan for Manam

THE PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) recently presented a disaster response plan for Manam Island to the Madang administration.
Chief of training headquarters PNGDF Col Dickers Esso said the Manam disaster plan was a culmination of the military’s senior tactics course.
He said the course’s objective was to train and qualify middle level leaders to perform at operational and staff appointments.
PNGDF’s reason for being in Madang was to conduct tactical exercises without troops, which involved offensive operations, defensive operations, internal security operations and culminated to the humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
Col Esso said the 14 participants were given a disaster scenario centred on a Manam volcanic eruption.
“They developed a military response plan and provincial disaster framework or concept to respond and presented it to the acting provincial administrator,” he said.
“I am satisfied that the course aims and objectives were achieved and I impressed with the efforts put in by the instructors and the participants.”
Acting provincial administrator Clement Tare commended the PNGDF, adding that the plan would need budget support..