PNGDF to probe Kiunga base

THE PNG Defence Force yesterday set up an investigation team to look into recent reports that the PNGDF forward operational base in Kiunga was being used for unhealthy social activities.
PNGDF chief of staff navy Capt Tom Urr said yesterday regarding allegations made by Western province police that the PNGDF base was running a night club, liquor trade and encouraging prostitution.
Western province police commander Insp Peter Philip yesterday maintained that announcing the investigation would not deter such behaviour by PNGDF personnel deployed in Kiunga to monitor and carry out border patrols.
The PNGDF border patrol along the Western province portion of the PNG-Indonesia border was a quarterly rotation programme by the PNG defence force.
Last Saturday, a new PNGDF group from the Alpha company comprising 44 personnel was dispatched to Kiunga to serve border patrol duties till June.
They would replaced those who had served since last September.
When asked for comments on the new deployment of soldiers, mostly from Taurama army barracks and if changes would be expected, Insp Philip said there would be no guarantee as this had been an ongoing concern every year and although the relevant authorities said they would address the matter, they were really “taking a long time to do so”.
Earlier this month, new PNGDF Commander Brig-General Francis Agwi warned his men and women that he wanted more accountability from all levels of command and a high standard of discipline from everyone.
He also said under his command the PNGDF would have zero tolerance for corruption, regionalism, drunkards and polygamy.