PNGDF intercepted 18 vessels

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force has intercepted a total of 18 vessels since January, says Commander Maj Gen Gilbert Toropo.
He said from the 18, five vessels were foreign owned which were escorted back to the nearest port in the country to be boarded, inspected and prosecuted.
Maj Gen Toropo, at the end-of-year commander’s parade, said the maritime border while vast had seen patrols make a significant contribution to handling the maritime security and protection of PNG’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
“Our maritime borders are vast and the reality of tracking and intercepting illegal vessels comes with its unique challenges,” he said.
“Our maritime patrols have made a significant contribution in handling maritime security and protection of the EEZ.
“On record, our three patrol boats between January and November during their respective operations, have intercepted a combined total of 18 vessels, with several boardings.
“The apprehension of five foreign fishing vessels which were escorted back to shore for prosecution, the recent one appeared this week in the newspaper, this saw two illegal boats apprehended by HM PNG Ted Diro with the crew fined over K400,000.”
Meanwhile, the PNGDF hopes to enhance its nation building capability next year through a focus on civic action and support.
Maj Gen Toropo said the PNGDF roles and functions and the vision were based on three themes of a three-year plan translated into defined deliverables which he would hold the senior leadership responsible for.
“This will see the establishment and focus on the civic action and support,” he said.